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THE 

TRUE PRINCIPLES 

OF 

AMERICAN GREATNESS, 



COMPREHENDED IN 



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DELIVERED 

BEFORE THE MEMBERS 

OF 

THE KENSINaTOm INSTITUTE, 

AND 

JEFFERSON LITERARY ASSOCIATION, 

On the 8th day of March, A. D. 1839. 
WITH COPIOUS EXPLANATORY 

AND CATALOGUE OF REFERENCE: 



^ 



BV THE BEV. GEORGi: IVEOITTGOiyCEZl-y- "WEST, D. D. 

PASTOR OF TRINITY CHURCH, KENSINGTON, PHILADELpillA. 



PHILADELPHIA. 
1839. 






Eastern Bistrid of Pennsylvania, to wit: 



BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the twenty-sixth day of 
J L. S. \ April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty- 
^vw»-vv»/w|;g nine, Geokge MoNT^JOMEnT West, of the said District, hath 
deposited in this office the title of a book, the title of which is in the words 
following', to wit: 

"The true Principles of American Greatness, comprehended in an Ad- 
dress delivered before the members of the Kensington Institute, Washing- 
ton Assembly, and Jefferson Literary Association, on the 8th of March, 
A. D. 1839. With copious explanatory Addenda, and Catalogue of Re- 
ference : By the Rev. George Montgomery West, D. D. Pastor of Trinity 
Church, Kensington. Philadelphia. 1839." 

The right whereof he claims as Author, in conformity with an Act of 
Congress, entitled "An Act to amend the several Acts respecting Copy- 
Rights." FRA. HOPKINSON, 

Clerk of the District. 



~> 






DEDICATION 



$ 



TO 

THOSE MEMBERS OF THE 

KENSINGTON INSTITUTE— THE WASHINGTON 

ASSEMBLY— THE JEFFERSON LITERARY 

ASSOCIATION— AND OTHERS, 

BOTH NATIVES AND FOREIGNERS, 

WHO HAVE 

Heads to think — hearts to feel — tongues to speak — and Indepen- 
dence to act — 

And who have lately demonstrated the same, in reference to the 
present controversy : 

THIS ADDRESS 

IS RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED, 
BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE 



The following "Address," which has caused so 
much party excitement, is now respectfully submitted 
for the candid perusal of an intelligent and discerning 
public, with the hope that the whole will be read in 
consecutive order, before the mind is allowed to ar- 
rive at any conclusion on the matter. Although no- 
thing has been suppressed or purposely omitted of 
what was contained in the "Address" as first delivered, 
yet it was considered both useful and necessary, to su- 
peradd some more explanatory matter than was origi- 
nally intended. It is presumed, however, that the 
contents will show the title page to be literally cor- 
rect in what it sets forth, while a comparison of what 
will be found on page 12, with the testimony of the 
witnesses, particularly that of Mr. Jones, and Mr. 
Boyd, recorded in the " Addenda," and authenticated 
by the Secretaries, together with the contents of 
Document No. 8, collated with pages 12 and 13, 
will be admitted as corroborative evidence of its 



PREFACE. Vi. 

substantial fidelity. If the suggestions thrown out 
in these pages shall ultimately lead to any important 
results for the benefit of this land of my adoption — 
the correction of any abuses — the reformation of any 
law, custom, or usage, at present requiring Reforma- 
tion, I shall the less regret, what I must ever esteem 
the uncandid, ungrateful, ungenerous and unmanly 
persecution which called forth this publication. 

I wish it to be particularly observed, that so far as 
I am concerned, nothing has been introduced with a 
view to provoke controversy or verbal warfare. Tlie 
proceedings of no public body have been arraigned — 
private motives have not been assailed — personal 
character has not been slandered — religious creeds 
have not been stigmatised — nor has severe criticism 
or comment been resorted to, even where abundant 
matter and opportunity were presented ; in fine, the 
object aimed at was not recrimination, but in all ca- 
ses purely EXPLANATION and DEFENCE. 

G. M. W. 



CONTENTS 



Title, Page 1 

Copy-Right, 2 

Dedication, .--------3 

Preface, 5 

Exordium to Adresss, - - -- - - 7 to 11 

Fundamental Principles, ..--.- 12, 13 
intermediate matter, - - - - - - 14, 18 

Native and Foreigner defined, - - - - - 19 

Egotism — defined — admitted — defended, - - - - 20 

Golden Maxims, 31 

Fundamental System of the Blue-eyed Maid, - - 21,22 
Her Origin — Titles — Travels — System of Policy, - 23, 24 

Her case concluded, as to verbal statements, - - - 25 
Her case supported by documentary evidence, - - 25, 32 
" The Lovely Rival" — her case — arguments — objections — 

protest — different course of national policy, - 32, 64 

Addenda — " Minutes," — Documents, ... 65, 82 

Addenda— A, B, C, 82, 86 

" New Orders," 89 

Constitution of the Order of " the Lovely Rival," - - 91 

Catalogue of Reference, 92 

Conclusion, 94 



iiiD^miisisJo 



Ladies and Gentlemen, — 

It is almost Tinnecessary for me to say, where the 
fact itself is so fully known, that I am not in the 
habit of either writing or reading my public dis- 
courses, whether they be Sermons, Lectures, Speech- 
es, Addresses, Orations, or by whatever name they 
may be designated or known; but although this cer- 
tainly is my general rule., yet it occasionally admits 
of an exceptio7i, particularly when the matter may be 
requested or designed for publication, or where the 
sentiments expressed are liable to be either misunder- 
stood or misconstrued, and in the event of which, it 
may be of importance to possess the original manu- 
script, to serve both as a standard of correction and 
appeal. I trust these incipient observations may be 
deemed sufficient to account for the course which I 
intend to pursue on the present occasion. 

Gentlemen — 

Immediately after I was honored with your special 
request to Lecture before you, which was communi- 
cated through the medium of your deputation, and 
almost commensurate with my own compliance there- 

2 



* 



with, I began revolving in my mind what subject I 
should select for the occasion, the more especially as 
no suggestion from your body had been communi- 
cated or conveyed to me on that head, on the con- 
trary, all interference with that point was distinctly 
declined with an important exception which shall be 
noticed. Under these circumstances it was, that I 
caused to pass before my mind's eye a variety of 
subjects from which I hoped a choice might possibly 
be made ; and from my official station, and profession- 
al duty as a clergyman, it was natural, that the most 
sublime, fundamental, and all-important topic of 
Theology, Natural Religion, Biblical Divinity, or at 
least, the doctrines of either ethic or ethnic pretensions, 
should first present themselves as claimants on my 
notice; but this idea hastily conceived, was as in- 
stantly abandoned, on recollecting that I was strictly 
cautioned on two occasions by your deputation, either 
to introduce just nothing at all, or at all events, as 
little as possible on the subject of "Religion"!!! and 
by another respectable member I was informed that 
one of your "rules" is of the SBiae p7'ohibitory charac- 
ter. I will not conceal from you that I was at the time 
mentally startled at this announcement, inasmuch as 
it brought vividly to my mind the remembrance of 
the alarming fact, as reported, that the schools of the 
French Philosophers had discarded the Christian's 
Bible — but this step of theirs was only preliminary to 



the opening of ^^the Temple of Reason,'^ (falsely so 
called,) the desecration of the Christian Sabbath, 
polluted by their public meetings, the murder of the 
clergy, and the introduction of the awful tragedy of 
the crucifixion of our Redeemer, on the boards of the 
National Theatre, for the purpose of more eifectually 
reducing the glorious mystery of our salvation, to the 
unhallowed pun, the derision, and the blasphemous 
sneer of the revolutionising infidel. L et the streams of 
human blood and gore, the soldiers who fell in that 
fearful struggle, the butchered and plundered citi- 
zens, the weeping widows and mothers and sisters, 
whose irreparable losses resulted from these latitudi- 
narian principles, even more than from the reeking 
sabre, the death conveying bullet, and the trumpet 
of war, proclaim with a voice of thunder in the ears 
of those who would imitate their example, the om- 
inous words, " Forget me not." God forbid that any 
such motive should have dictated the course on which 
I am noTV observing, let me rather hope and charita- 
bly believe, that no intentional insiilt to our holy re- 
ligion was meant, but that the existence of those 
unhappy controversies, which have metamorphosed 
the churches into moral ''bear garde?is,'' and the 
mania of which may possibly have infected even 
some of your own members, had rendered both pru- 
dent and necessary the adoption of this measure, as 
I am informed that your numbers are composed of 



10 

Freethinkers, Jews, Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, 
Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Universalists, 
and I am not aware of how many more grades and 
descriptions, but comprehending, of course, those who 
espouse the most opposite and exciting ^o/eV«c«/ views, 
and which in this country, are carried to an extent 
.almost beyond the comprehension or belief of fo- 
reigners. That such heterogeneous views should 
pass the subjoined standing rule, which I have copied 
from your constitution, is not so much to be wondered 
at, as that any individual who respects the awful 
authority which said, "Remember the Sabbath day 
to keep it holy," could be found to add the sanction 
of his personal identity.* 

In my humble opinion the adoption of such a rule 
or article ought to have been avoided, if only to 
guard against even the appearance of agreement be- 
tween your association, and the disciples of Tom 
Paine and Fanny Wright, and such like, who it is 
well known in this free country, generally select the 
Sabbath day for their unholy meetings. 

Well, the subject of "Religion" being thus ne- 
gatived by your prohibitory veto, I next took a hasty 
glance at Philosophy — Anatomy — Astronomy — His- 
tory — Painting — Sculpture — Phrenology — Poetry 

* Rule of the Kensington Institute respecting holding meetings 
on the Sabbath day, viz : 

" The room shall be open every Sunday at 8 A. M., and shall 
be open till 10 o'clock every evening." 



11 

— Geology — Law — Logic — Languages — Rhetoric 
— Belles Lettres, &c., and finally at the captivating 
though abstruse science of the Mathematics; but I 
could not satisfy myself, that I was so capable of hand- 
ling any one, or even all these put together, as to educe 
from them anything very new, interesting, instructive 
Qx practically useful; and as for the ^^mathematics''' 
I really feared, that before I could have demonstrated, 
or explained the philosophy of Euclid's incipient 
problem, namely, that of constructing " an equilate- 
ral triangle, on a given finite right line," or conducted 
you safely, even in theory., over "the asses bridge," 
I should be under the unpleasant necessity of first 
arousing you from the more refreshing enjoyment 
of " tired nature's sweet restorer, halmy sleep ^^ the 
advantages of which are so enchantingly described 
by the poet : 

" Sweet is slumber — it is life, 

Without its sorrow, sin or sighing ; 

Death, without the fearful strife, 
The inortal agony of dying." 

At length and at last I set my own ingenuity to work, 
and succeeded in manufacturing the title which has 
already received publicity as my motto for this eve- 
ning, viz : " The True Principles of American 
Greatness;" but whether I shall succeed in convinc- 
ing you that I have indeed hit upon "the true prin- 
ciples" of an event so devoutly to be wished, remains 



12 

to be decided ; nor does it constitute any part of my 
wish to enlist your feelings or judgment under my 
views of this great subject, unless such views may 
happen to carry with them all the attributes of 
" axioms'^ or self-evident and undeniable proposi- 
tions. I proceed then to lay down, and recommend, 
as my FOUR FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 
of sound national policy, the following, viz : — 

I. The most sincere and deferential submission 
to the " Constitution^'' " Governments"^ and Laws 
of these United States in opposition to all moh-vio- 
lence^ and ^^ Lynch-laiv,"' so called. 

II. The extension and deepening of sound edu- 
cation and solid erudition, in order to enable us to 
cope with the most learned and popular authors in 
Europe. 

HI. The sedulous cuUtvation of the esteem, the 
respect^ and the veneration of the bctteu orders 
of foreigners of all nations, more particularly those 
of the British dominions^ if only to induce a more 
wealthy and deserving class of emigrants to settle 



among us 



IV. To promote, by respectful and dutiful pe- 
tition, to the PROPER QUARTER, the reformings 
amending^ or repealing of certain laws, customs, 



13 

and usages, which shall he poinled out, together 
with the reformation and union of churches, sects, 
parties, and societies, on the general principle laid 
down in the "CONSTITUTION." 

For these four fundamental prificipks, and these 
only, I wish you distinctly to understand, I deem my- 
self to be individually responsible ; but for the views, 
and opinions of any other writer, whether he be 
native or foreigner, I hold not myself accountable, 
although some of them may be quoted in the course 
of this address, and for their truth or falsity, I shall 
refer to the judgment and decision of this audience, 
or a " committee of the whole house." 

But as it is indispensably necessary to the more 
perfect elucidation of my object in advancing these 
principles, and your understanding the same, that 
they should be discussed more in detail, and reasons 
produced for their candid assumption, and avowal, 
I will endeavor to do so, and that in as brief order 
as may be consistent with perspicidty. 

Before I commence on this portion of my address, 
however, it becomes my duty to speak a little of 
myself personally, that I may guard you against the 
temptation of surmising that whatever statements I 
may find it necessary to make, even through the 
medium of " allegory," or whatever language I may 
employ, although the same may at first sight seem 
to clash with preconceived prejudices or opinions, 



14 

that it comes from a person still so strongly attached 
to his father-land and mother country, as to be in- 
capable of duly appreciating what is really valuable 
in this. Such a suspicion I should most assuredly 
regret, not only as an impeachment of my sincerity, 
but of my judgment also. 

It is now nearly fifteen years since I first set foot 
on American soil; and although I have occasionally 
revisited the land of my nativity, yet I have not been 
altogether an unobservant spectator of men, manners 
and institutions in America : I have travelled much, 
seen m_uch, heard much, read much, and thought 
more. 

I have occasionally and faithfully advocated the 
cause of your most valued and useful public institu- 
tions, such as Bible societies, missionary societies, 
Sunday school societies, temperance societies, literary 
societies, deaf and dumb and blind asylums, hospitals, 
schools, colleges, and churches, &c. &c. without ever 
being charged with the slightest deviation from those 
sound, scriptural and awfully sublime doctrines which 
by my solemn ordination vows, I undertook to advo- 
cate and defend. I have never mixed myself up with 
those new fangled opinions which, however frivolous 
and objectionable, have found but too many advocates, 
where they ought to have encountered reprobation. 
I have, by the blessing of God, lifted up a standard 
against the blasphemies of infidelity, when others of 



15 

the clergy, though challenged openly, ignobly shel- 
ter themselves from the responsibility behind a 
fancied dignity.^ I have taken no part in cer- 
tain flimsy controversies, which have confessedly 
disgraced the pulpit and libelled religion — I have 
never concerned myself with the interminable ma- 
zes of political excitement, but though I have been 
sometimes dragged, much against my wish, into a 
little self-defensive verbal warfare, yet those who 
have read the publications on both sides, and best 
know all the facts of the case, and were not like oth- 
ers interested or hermetically sealed up in prejudice, 
are well convinced that with me such a course was 
perfectly unavoidable, and the conclusion as com- 
pletely triumphant as my most ardent admirers could 
have possibly desired. f I have never, though often 
solicited to do so, taken any part in those " spirit- 
stirring" debates in reference to " the Texan war — 
'the boundary line,' — or the Canadian rebellion." — 
I have frequently risked "life and limb," by land 
and by water, to prove my affection for this country 
— like the " bee," I have roamed from garden to gar- 
den, from flower to flower — from continent to con- 
tinent — from island to island : nine times have I cross- 
ed the great Atlantic ocean, and more than once 
braved hurricanes and nearly shipwreck — and many 



* See Addenda a. t See Addenda h, 

3 



16 

more times liave I crossed the boisterous channels, 
lakes and rivers, between England, Ireland, Scotland 
and the Isle of Man — together with those of the Mis- 
sissippi, the Ohio, the St. Lawrence, lake Ontario, 
and lake Erie, without as yet any remuneration for 
my labors, even to the amount of postage of letters and 
travelling expenses, while the amount collected — 
(see printed report) — which was not small, has been 
admitted to have been faithfully deposited, so far as 
I was concerned, for the promotion of sound faith, 
wholesome learning, and the march of education in 
America. I have preached, lectured, and delivered 
NUMEROUS addresses, both in the United States and 
in various parts of Europe, in reference to this coun- 
try, before as large and respectable assemblies as 
perhaps any man of my age now living. I have also 
written various publications, such as they are, and 
although my public course of action necessarily caus- 
ed me to have opponents in every part where I have 
labored, yet to this day I have never heard that even 
-my bitterest enemies have ever once charged me 
with speaking or writing disrespectfully of the con- 
.stitution, government, or institutions of this country, 
.notwithstanding that I have had no slight provocation 
to do so; on the contrary, I always aimed at main- 
taining the, to me, more gratifying distinction con- 
ferred on me by the bishop of Ohio, (himself a na- 
tive of this country,) and who, in June, 1827, and in 



17 

reference to a speech delivered by me at the laymg 
of the corner-stone of Kenyon College in Ohio, thus 
writes and publishes in the Philadelphia Recorder 
of the same period, viz : — 

" As I am, from principle, averse to the practice of 
puffing public orators, I shall not do it here. I think 
it, hou^ever, both just and useful to state, that as a 
gentleman and a christian, few have succeeded better 
in gaining the love and good will of an audience; and, 
as a medium of good feeling and christian principles 
between the pious of both nations, England and 
America, few have succeeded so well. As he spake, 
my heart burned within me towards those foreign 
benefactors who, without any earthly reward, have 
patronised this great undertaking. ' Blessed are the 
peace makers,' said the Saviour. Blessed are those 
who unite nations together in the bonds of christian 
love and charity, said I, as good Mr. West closed 
his address." 

I did not come to this country a bankrupt in cha- 
racter, as some might have inferred from the incon- 
veniencies and indignities to which I have submitted, 
but I did come accredited by as high testimonials, 
and authentic credentials as any man of any rank, 
or station on this continent could ever boast, which 
were never and dare not even norv be impeached.* 
Finally, I have taken this country as the land of 



* See Addenda c. 



18 

my adoption, not to seek for place or pension, not 
to fatten upon the public revenue, not to be a 
burden to the community, but faithfully to "spend 
and be spent," for the public good. If it should 
be said that fiecessilij not choice drove me to do so, 
I meet the slanderous assertion by the following 
quotation from the publication of a gentleman so 
high, so learned, so well known on both continents, 
as to raise him infinitely above even the suspicion 
of either falsehood or exaggeration. I allude to 
George "Wharton Marriott, Esquire, B. C. L., Fellow 
of All-souls' College, Oxford, (England,) Chancellor 
of St. Davids, and one of the Ohio Trustees for the 
funds of Kenyon College, &c. The following is 
his statement, and any contradiction of it is hereby 
challenged, viz: "I know^ that if the Rev. G. M. 
West's object had been earthly interest, he would never 
have thought of America, for he might have expected 
very reasonably, to pursue that end, with success in 
his orvn country. Either in England or Ireland he 
might have had both employment and preferment, 
not by his own solicitation, but that of those who 
have both the rvill, and power in their hands." The 
writer means, that such offers had been made to me, 
through himself, and as the rank which I held in 
the Episcopal church at that time, was analagous to 
that of "Dean" in the established church of England, 



See his publication in Catalogue, No. 10. 



19 

my position admitted of no ecclesiastical prefer- 
ment there, less than a seat on the Bench of Bish- 
ops, and consequently, a member of "The British 
House of Lords." In fine, I am Avilling to meet and 
"compare notes," with any other individual in these 
United States, any bishop, politician, or minister of 
any church or persuasion whatever, however pompous 
or extravagant his professions may be, and if I cannot 
prove clearly, and demonstrate that I have made as 
many personal sacrifices, — and if I do not produce as 
msinj practical instances of pure disinterested affec- 
tion for this country as he can, I will most cheer- 
fully submit to be stigmatized with the most oppro- 
brious epithets, so that if any man now living have 
a right to give an opinion on this subject, I certainly 
claim to be that man, and shall continue to assert 
my claim until one better substantiated can be pro- 
duced. Am I to be confronted by a more success- 
ful claimant to this honor, merely because my rival is 
a "native;" psha! none but an ignoramus, or fool of 
any nation, would base his pretensions on such evi- 
dence. To happeti to have been born in any one coun- 
try rather than another, is only what is termed an ac- 
cident, over which the individual had, of course, no 
personal control, and in which he can have no possi- 
ble merit. The cant words, therefore, of "native," 
and "foreigner," will never be resorted to by edu- 
cated and sensible men belonging to any country, 



20 

unless there should be something else connected 
therewith to constitute a solid argument. But I may 
be met here by the still more trite objection, that of be- 
ing an ' ' egotist. ' ' I admit it, and therefore the objector 
has not even the credit of anticipating me in the ob- 
jection. What then? Is "egotism," as such, always 
wrong? Whoever says so is guilty (perhaps not in- 
tentionally,) of blasphemy, inasmuch as it would, if 
I am not mistaken, amount to an impeachment of 
more than one of the inspired writers. What are we 
to understand of the following specimens, viz : " For 
I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest 

apostles." "As the truth of Christ is in me, no 

man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of 

Achaia." " Seing that many glory after the flesh, 

I will glory also." " Who is weak, and I am not 

weak? who is offended, and I burn not?" — St. Paul 
See also 2d Cor. xi. 22 to 31. 

The latin word from which "egotism" is derived, 
simply means, to speak of one's self as an individual, 
and to test the propriety or impropriety of it, is only 
to ascertain whether the matter spoken is truth, and 
whether it is necessary as to time, place and circum- 
stance. By this rule I wish my alleged " egotism" to 
be tried. 

And now to proceed with the illustration of my 
four fundamental principles — (see p. 12.) I shall take 
for granted that the following " golden maxims" will 
be admitted to govern this case, namely : — 



21 

" By whomsoever uttered, — on whatever soil pro- 
duced, TRUTH is eternal, and demands respect, and 
error is transitory, and deserves reprobation." 

The man who clearly perceives my ruinous errors, 
without advising me of the same, is either a false 
friend, or a real enemy. 

The man who is rvilfully blind to his country's 
faults, and w^ho uses not his best efforts to correct 
them, is a traitor — ^not a patriot. 

" Am I therefore become your enemy, because I 
tell you the truth?" 

The illustration of the four fundamental principles 
shall be brought before you in the form, of what I hope 
may be deemed the pleasing fiction or "allegory" of 
two rival ladies, urging their respective claims, while 
I shall act as counsel for both sides, without pledgino- 
myselfiox the correctness of either. 

My fair client of the first part, who wishes through 
me as her counsel, to be favorably introduced to your 
notice by the cognomen of ''Wisdom," or as old Ho- 
mer poetically styles her, " The Blue-eyed Maid,'' pre- 
fers her claim for the erection of a splendid national 
"monument," to perpetuate her memory; and this 
boon she contends, is no more than an act oi justice, 
moral honesty and gratitude. 

1st. Because she was the honored instrumental 
cause in creating this rich and beautiful world for 
the use and benefit of mankind in general, she 
therefore claims to be of divine origin. 



22 

2d. On account of the variety and magnificence of 
her titles. 

3d. On account of her extensive travels and ama- 
zing popularity, vrhere in every part, the most splen- 
did monuments of antiquity v^^ere erected to her 
honor, and where she was actually worshipped as a 
^'goddess,''' by her numerous votaries, disciples and 
admirers. 

4th, and finally. She prefers her claim on the 
American public in particular, because, as she states, 
she obtained for you these "United States" — ^bestowed 
upon you "freedom" — framed the celebrated and im- 
perishable instrument and charter of your liberty 
called "The Declaration of Independence," bear- 
ing date July 4, 1776 — dictated all your laws, which 
she avers are so perfect, as neither to require nor ad- 
mit of any alteration or "amendment" — establishing 
all your national celebrations, customs, and usages, 
not one of which should ever be dispensed with, en- 
riching the country with such a glorious variety of 
churches, sects, societies, clubs, colleges, and other 
literary associations, as to afford ^'pick and choice,^' 
to even the most fastidious, and each and all of them, 
however diverse, good, pious, sound, learned and or- 
thodox — finally, that she suggested the course of 
sound national policij which she admits has been so 
far faithfully practised with the best possible efi'ect, 
viz : — For this country to represent itself as the most 



,■% 



23 

powerful, wealthy, independent, and glorious nation 
upon earth, and all others, especially Great Britain, 
as '■'■pigmies,'''' '■'■slaves,'''' and '■'■pawpers^'' whose mi- 
serable inhabitants are obliged by '•'■stern iiecessity ^^ 
to come to our happy shores for an asylum — who are 
glad to forswear their former allegiance and crouch 
for "citizenship" among us — to keep up a diploma- 
tique appearance of respect for the purpose of drain- 
ing foreign nations of their wealth, inventions, talents, 
artizans and improvements, and when they come here^ 
spend their money, and cannot, if they would return, — 
"keep their noses close to the grinding-stone" — stig- 
matize them as "foreigners," whom every "boy of 
yesterday" is to look on with suspicion and contempt ; 
and should they venture to complain of their griev- 
ances, add 150 per cent, oi embellishment, exaggeration, 
falsehood, and even perjury, or, (I beg pardon) ^^af- 
firmation,'''' to clearly prove and demonstrate, that they 
are opposed to " the constitution, government and 
laws of this glorious, wealthy and incomparable 
country. As to wealth, our means are abundant — 
what with driving the Indians back by our invincible 
legions and cohorts, — pawning their uncultivated 
lands in London — tolerating or conniving at the 
prolific " shinplaster" system, instead of specie- — 
melting down and re-coining j/?z;e eagle dollars out of 
four Spanish dollars, with the addition of only a little 
aVrnj, and English gold " sovereigns," in the same pro- 

4 



24 

portion, (which, by the way, is the only *' sovereign," 
or "foreigner" which we love,) and managing to get as 
deeply in debt as possible to England, by all sorts of 
pretensions — then ship the hard cash regularly to this 
land of "promise," (never mind the word ^^ perform- 
ance,^^ I, for one, hate it, most affectionately) — but 
should the amount be claimed and insisted on, we can 
easily plead that " we are a young country — very poor 
in comparison of other countries" — work a plan of na- 
tional " ^a/zA:ruptcy" by getting the banks to become 
^Hnsohent,''^ or stop payment, — although afterwards 
they can, to answer other purposes, boast of the 
amount of capital and specie in the "■vaults''' This 
with them will be no ^^ egotism, '^ because they are so 
used to it ; but if all should fail to convince honest, 
straight-forward John Bull, let us "get up a bit of a 
war'' — threaten, bluster, make a noise, — "kick up a 
dust," which will certainly blind somebody — about 
"Texas," — " Canada" — Boundary-line — any thing, 
or nothing — and at all events, a " war" will pay the 
debt of course. Suppose a few thousands are killed, 
it will only thin the population — they can be cannon- 
ized before death, and even survivors persuaded to copy 
after their "immortal patriotism;" it surely is not dif- 
ficult to say, " stand to your arms — for God and your 
country — turn to the right-about, ^go a-head,' and 
'march to glory!' " 
Such is the policy recommended by my beautiful 



*:. ^- 



25 

client of the " first part," and '' further deponent saith 
not ;" and certainly so far as the opinion of counsel is 
concerned — even more than enough has been said — 
and your lecturer would distinctly remark, that he does 
not become responsible for such hypothetic statements ; 
nor is it supposed, in any enlightened community, 
that the counsel, who pleads as his client instructs, 
or in accordance with mere popular report, or ex-parte 
testimony, necessarily makes himself a party, adopts 
or sanctions the same — and this is one of the points on 
which he begs to be excused from giving any opinion 
oi his own individually, but which, for truth or fal- 
sity, he would submit to the better judgment of this 
audience; at the same time intimating, as "counsel 
for both sides," that in all probability his charming 
client of the " second par f^ will successfully rebut the 
pompous assertions of "the blue-eyed maid.'' It is 
his duty, however, in the mean time, to lay before 
you the " documentary evidence" on which she relies 
in support of her extra-ordinary pretensions. They 
are the following, viz : The first is from the imperial 
pen of King Solomon, who preferred being "the re- 
corder of her statements," or her royal biographer, to 
the wealth, the majesty and the glory of his empire. 
" The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his 
way, before his works of old. I was set up from 
everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth 
was. When there were no depths, I was brought 



26 

forth ; when there were no fountains abounding with 
water. Before the mountains were settled, before 
the hills was I brought forth. While as yet he had 
not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest 
part of the dust of the world. When he prepared 
the heavens, I rvas there : when he set a compass 
upon the face of the depth : When he established the 
clouds above : when he strengthened the fountains 
of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, 
that the waters should not pass his commandment : 
when he appointed the foundations of the earth : 
Then I was by him, as one brought up ovith him : 
and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before 
him ; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth ; 
and my delights were with the sons of men." — Prov. 
viii. 22 to 31. "The Lord by wisdom hath founded 
the earth." To this she begs to subjoin as a factj 
that the monarch alluded to, who must, from his ad- 
mitted experience., have been a complete judge in such 
matters, scrupled not to give her the preference to 
any or even all of his seven hundred wives, and three 
hundred other ladies who were not honored with that 
imperial distinction. This, she thinks, you must 
infer from a memorandum which he has recorded in 
that choice work, and which he himself poetically 
describes as "apples of gold in pictures of silver." 
** She is more precious than rubies : and all the things 
thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 



27 

Length of days is in her right hand ; and in her left 
hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of 
pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a 
tree of life to them that lay hold upon her : and happy 
is every one that retaineth her." — Frov. iii. 15, 16, 
17, 18. 

The additional documentary evidence, on w^hich 
she relies to support her claim, are the following re- 
corded statements which, with no small labor and 
difficulty, have been collected from the voluminous 
archives of the Ethnic Mythology. "■ Minerva was 
the goddess of Wisdom. The heathens personified 
Wisdom under the character of Minerva. Minerva 
was the daughter of Jupiter. The poetic fiction con- 
cerning her is, that Jupiter being tormented with an 
excessive pain in his head, applied to Vulcan to open 
it with a keen axe; and upon his doing so, Minerva 
instantly sprang forth, a goddess armed. Minerva 
was the tutelary, or guardian goddess of Athens. 
That city was called by one of her names, Athenas ; 
its original name was Cecropia, from the founder, 
Cecrops. Minerva was also called Pallas, from a 
Greek word, signifying bearing a javelin. She is 
often called in Homer, the ^^hlue-eyed maid,"" for she 
never married. The fable relates, that Neptune and 
Minerva disputed for the honor of giving a name to 
the capital of Attica. The gods decided that which- 
soever should bestow the most useful gift upon the 



28 

citizens, si ion Id p^ive a name to tlie city. Neptune 
gave llicm ;i linrsr, ;ui(l Minerva an olive tree. The 
latter gin \\ :is lli(> mosl vnlued by the inhabitants of 
Cecropia, and I'lom lliai time they ciilled their city, 
Athena). Minerva was represenlc^d as a l^eautiful 
■woniMii, (»(" M conntenance somew^hat severe. On lier 
head was a golden helmet, and her breast-plate w^as 
also of gold. In her right hand Minerva bore a 
beaming lance, nnd in her left a buckler, called the 
Egis. The Kgis of Minerva had embossed upon it 
the head of Medusa. Medusa was one of the Gor- 
gons, a sea-nynipl) — she offended Minerva, and the 
godd(^ss Ininsformed lier beautiful hair to frightful 
serpents. Tims disfigured, Medusa became an ob- 
ject of aversion Mnd liorror. Perseus, a prince of 
Argos. Mas employed to cut off this terrific head. 
Perseus, in this expedition, was assisted by the gods. 
Mercury gave him a cimeter, and the wings from 
his heels : Minerva lent him a shield, polished like 
a mirror, and Phito besto\\'ed upon him a helmet, 
which rendered him invisible. Thus equipped, Per- 
seus flew \o l^pnin. where he found Medusa, and 
unseen himself, presented the mirror to the Gorgon, 
— while she was gazing at herself, he cut off her 
lu\ul. P(Mseus afterwards presented the head to 
Minerva, who plai-ed il np(M\ \\cy shield; and so 
frightfvd was if. that those who beheld it were turned 
to stoniv 'llie Egis was not oflen thus employed. — 



29 

it was only used to alFright the bad. Tlie moaning 
of this fable is, that if men, in the midst of crimes, 
are overtaken by the terrors of the wise and just God, 
they are suddenly stopped in the midst of their wick- 
ed purposes, and terrified at their own guilt, by a 
power, who is of purer eyes, than to behold iniquity 
with complacency. Tlie Palladium was an image 
of Pallas wdiich was supposed to have fallen from 
heaven. The Palladium was preserved with great vi- 
gilance in the citadel of Troy, because an Oracle had 
declared, that, as long as it remained there, the city 
would be invincible against all the attacks of its ene- 
mies. Diomed and Ulysses, two of the Grecian He- 
roes, contrived to convey the Palladium away, and 
Troy was taken. Eneas, the son of Veiuis, and the 
great ancestor of the Romans, is said, by some of 
their writers, to have recovered and brought it with 
him into Italy. They assert that this celebrated 
image was deposited in the temple of Vesta, as a 
pledge of the stability of the empire and dominion 
of Rome. Hence, the word Palladium is sometimes 
used figuratively, to signify the preservation or safe- 
guard of any valuable object. As, for example, the 
Palladium of American liberty, or its security, is the 
virtue of our citizens. The Parthenon, called from 
one of Minerva's names, Parthenos, was the most 
splendid and beautiful temple of antiquity, and was 
.erected in honor of this goddess at Athens. On a 



30 

conspicuous part of this temple was sculptured the 
different worshippers of Minerva — young and old, 
bond and free ; and by means of these figures which 
have been preserved, w^e are enabled to know the 
style of dress common to the Athenians. The Pana- 
thensea w^as a festival, celebrated in honor of Miner- 
va. It occurred in our month of June. The prin- 
cipal inhabitants of all the towns in Attica, resorted 
to Athens on this occasion, bringing with them nu- 
merous victims for the sacrifices. Horse races, wrest- 
ling matches, and musical performances were exhi- 
bited for the public entertainment at this festival. 
The songs sung at the Panathensea were commonly 
the eulogium of some citizen, who had performed a 
distinguished service to the state. Thus the achieve- 
ments of heroes were kept in the memory of the 
Athenian people, and served as lessons to others who 
might wish to serve their country. An olive wreath 
was bestowed as a mark of the public approbation upon 
those who excelled in any of these competitions. At 
this festival a very interesting procession was formed. 
It was composed of different classes of the citizens, 
and those who appeared in it, were selected for their 
fine appearance. First advanced old men, still vi- 
gorous, who were of a majestic and venerable form — 
these bore in their hands branches of the olive tree. 
The old men were followed by those of middle age, 
clothed in polished armor, and after them proceeded 



31 

youths under twenty years of age. The young per- 
sons were of both sexes — the boys clad in plain gar- 
ments, and the girls dressed with simplicity, and 
carrying baskets of cakes and flowers, as offerings to 
the goddess. These were of honorable families, and 
were attended by the daughters of foreigners settled 
at Athens. The latter carried a folding seat for the 
young girls to rest upon, and an umbrella to screen 
them from the sun ; they also carried water and ho- 
ney for the libations. Foreigners, or sojourners as 
they were called, who resided at Athens, held a rank 
inferior to natives of the city. This also was in ac- 
cordance with the policy of " Wisdom,''^ but she had 
then only half-witted heathens to be thus imposed on. 
Musicians, some playing on the flute, and others upon 
the lyre, rhapsodists, who sang passages from Homer's 
poems, and dancers of singular grace accompanied 
the procession, and passed through the streets, amidst 
a crowd of spectators. When the whole reached the 
temple of Minerva, a magnificent sacrifice ended the 
solemnity, and the assembly dispersed to different 
places, where they concluded the day in feasting and 
mirth. The most celebrated statue of Minerva in 
ancient times, was that of the Parthenon, thirty-nine 
feet in height, formed of ivory and gold. It was the 
work of Phidias, produced by the request of Peri- 
cles. The Athenians were off"ended at Phidias, be- 
cause it was discovered that among certain figures, 

5 



32 

engraved upon the shield of Minerva, he had placed 
likenesses of himself and of Pericles. In consequence, 
this capricious people banished Phidias, and he with- 
drew from Athens to Elis, where he was beloved 
and cherished, and w^here he made a statue of Ju- 
piter, that w^as reckoned among the seven wonders 
of the world." 

This, gentlemen, is the case of "The Blue-eyed 
Maid." I have "nothing extenuated, nor ought set 
down in malice" — I have not pledged myself for the 
correctness of her most marvellous pretensions ; you 
must decide on that point; but I would advise, that 
you should not decide hastily; at all events, before 
you "HEAR BOTH SIDES." Audi alteram partem, is a 
wise maxim — act upon it in this instance at least. 

And now for the reply of my beauteous client of 
"the second part," whose real name is "Prudence," 
but sometimes in opposition to the former, called 
" The Lovely Rival ;" and here I would incidentally 
remark, that, the heraldic motto of "The Blue-eyed 
Maid" is, thi7igs as they are; and the motto of "The 
Lovely Rival," things as they should he. Let the 
present and future generations decide, which is most 
appropriate — most for the honor, happiness, freedom 
and security of mankind in general, and for the Ame- 
rican republic in particular. 

My beauteous client of the second part, (for recol- 
lect gentlemen that I have the honor to act as coun- 



33 

sel for both sides, as you are aware advocates of my 
profession frequently do,) I say, my client of the 
second part wishes to be no less favorably introduced 
to your notice, under the modest title of " Prudence," 
although, as just observed, from her successful oppo- 
sition to " The Blue eyed Maid," she is more frequent- 
ly denominated ''The Lovely Rival," through me 
wishes to record her " Protest," and also her '•'Rea- 
sons/' for questioning the truth, opposing the views, 
and guarding you against what she conceives to be 
the mere moonshine theory, and delusive policy re- 
commended by her opponent in this controversy, and 
also affectionately to point out what she sincerely be- 
lieves to be the most honorable, the most honest, the 
shortest, the surest, and the safest road to conduct 
you to the apex, the acme, the summit and the ze- 
nith of REAL "American greatness;" now then, 
HEAR patiently her reply. 

1st. She ventures to suspect the truth of her rival's 
pretensions to a divine origin, and consequently to 
the honor of creating this " rich and beautiful world," 
because of her taste for "war," horrid war! and al- 
though the "Blue-eyed Maid" has frequently repre- 
sented herself as a "boarder," and parlor companion 
of her rival, and has not scrupled to give her ad- 
dress in the following words of inspiration, viz: "/ 
wisdom dwell with prudence,'' yet the connexion is 
hereby disavowed, and my client of the second part, 



34 

professes to have witnessed so much of the low cun- 
ning, unprincipled evasion, hollow professions, and de- 
ceptive dealing of her opponent as to make her not only- 
ashamed of her society, but also compels her to believe 
that so far from supporting her claim to a supernatu- 
ral and DIVINE derivation, she is only ihe fabled god- 
dess of the besotted idolaters, described in the follow- 
ing tissue of absurdity and contradiction, which is 
in full unison with her previous «M^o-biography : 

"Minerva, otherwise called Pallas, the goddess of 
wisdom, arts, sciences, and war. She was the daugh- 
ter of Jupiter, having proceeded from his brain, armed 
from top to toe. They pretended that Vulcan struck 
him on the head with an axe, to bring her into the 
world. She pretended to have invented spinning, 
weaving, making and coloring cloth, and building of 
towers, forts, castles, &c. She is represented in ar- 
mor from head to foot, holding a lance in one hand, 
and several mathematical instruments near her." 

As to the ground of her second argument, viz : 
On account of the variety and magnificence of her 
titles, it is indeed admitted by my fair client of the 
seco7idpart, that her opponent has thought proper to 
travel in various countries under the suspicious dis- 
guise of the mamj assumed titles, which have been 
already quoted, and under these dishonorable masks, 
grossly imposed upon the credulous, the unenlight- 
ened, the superstitious, and the ignorant, and sue- 



35 

deeded to a most censurable extent, in swindling 
them out of their property, out of their privileges, 
and out of their senses. But as Satan succeeds best 
with his infernal schemes, when he ''Transforms 
himself into an angel of light," so the "Blue-eyed 
Maid" has done more mischief to nations, churches, 
families and individuals, imder the universally hon- 
ored name of " Wisdom," than all her other " magnifi- 
cent titles'^ put together, but the time has at length 
arrived to undeceive mankind, to disabuse the public 
mind, and remove from this pseudo goddess the hith- 
erto fatally successful costume of her hypocrisy. 
The renowned Sir William Temple, has employed 
his pen to describe both Wisdom and Prudence in 
the following v/ords: "Wisdom is that which makes 
men judge what are the best e7ids, and what the best 
means to attain them. Prudence is wisdom applied to 
PRACTICE, or that discreet apt suiting as well of ac- 
tions, as words in their due place, time, and manner. 
A greater than Sir William Temple, even the 
inspired St. James thus describes the wisdom 
which is of divine origin, viz: "The wisdom that 
is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, 
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good 
fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." 
It is possible indeed, that mere animal instinct, or 
natural cunning, such as my rival possesses in an 
eminent degree, may have sometimes amused itself 



36 

with the manufacture of "wooden nutmegs" &c.,* 
and even more wicked deceptions, and afterward 
dignified it with her " magnificent title of Wisdom.''^ 
But has not the same apostle more correctly defined 
it in the following words, viz : " This wisdom descend- 
eth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." 
The truth is, there are no less than four kinds of 
"Wisdom," so called, viz. natural — political — celes- 
tial, and infernal " Wisdom," and which of these 
four my veritable " rival" has generally practised, I 
must leave you to determine — if not the first and 
last only, I should be glad to be informed, how 
many solid proofs can be exhibited of her identity 
with either of the other two. So much for her first. 



*The above was not spoken as meaning any insult to, or reflec- 
tion on the American character, as such, any more than to the 
"constitution, government, and laws," nor was the name of Ameri- 
ca even mentioned in connexion with it. All countries have af- 
forded, perhaps, equally ludicrous instances of low cunning, which 
deserve rather to be laughed at than seriously censured ; Avhile it 
must be admitted, that the following paragraph, of which an Ame- 
rican and a " native," is the author, ought to subject him to at 
least an equal share of censure — but he is a " native," and I am, 
unfortunately for myself, a " foreigner." 

"A Straightening Machine. — They are an ingenious people 
'down east;' they can turn out wooden nutmegs, do. hams, do. 
pumpkin seed, glue combs, morus multicaulis cuttings from bass 
wood, and flannel sausages, all 'to order;' and they even invent 
any thing, from a mouse trap up to a steam engine ; but there are 
some folks out West, whom it is hard for even them to beat. A 
Missourian has recently invented a machine for taking the kinks 
out of pigs' tails; and is about to get a patent for it." — Pub. Led- 
ger, March 29, 1839. 



37 

second, and third propositions — arguments — reasons 
• — claims — pretensions — or whatever other " magnifi- 
cent^^ title or gaudy robe she may please to cover their 
nakedness with. 

In support of her marvellous pretensions, my rival 
confidently refers to " The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence," but she ought to know that documentanj 
evidence is not always conclusive. I can also quote 
documents, and it will be found that the one which 
I shall now cite in reply to her's, bears date nearly 
nine years anterior to her's, and as she does not prefer 
any claim to its authorship, or even to any know- 
ledge of its existence, it will perhaps be admitted 
that at least some portion of ignorance may have at- 
tached itself to the celestial sapiency of my veritable 
opponent. The truth of mij document may be in- 
ferred from the fact, that it was dedicated to General 
Washington, by his friend and neighbor Jonathan 
Boucher, extracted from No. 5, in the American 
Whig, and said to have been written by Mr. Living- 
ston, Governor of New York, viz : 

"Courage, then, Americans! The finger of God 
points out a mighty empire to your sons. We need 
not be discouraged. The angry cloud will soon be 
dispersed. The day dawns, in which this ixdghty 
empire is to be laid by the establishment of a regular 
American Constitution. All that has hitherto been 
done seems to be little beside the collection of mate- 



38 

rials for the construction of the glorious fabric. 'Tis 
time to put them together. The transfer of the Eu- 
ropean part of the family is so vast, and our growth 
so swift, that hefore seven years roll over our heads, 
the first stone must be laid. Peace or war, famine 
or plenty, poverty or affluence, — in a word, no cir- 
cumstance, whether prosperous or adverse, can hap- 
pen to our parent; nay, no conduct of her' s, ivhether 
wise or imprudent — no possible temper of her' s, rvhether 
kind or cross-grained — 7villput a stop to this building. 
There is no contending with Omnipotence; and the 
pre-dispositions are so numerous a?id well adapted to 
the rise of America, that our success is indubitable." 

This remarkable paper is not referred to for the 
purpose of deteriorating from the Declaration of In- 
dependence, in any portion of its real value, but to 
convince my opponent that there are two sides to 
almost every subject, although it is possible there 
may be no end to some of them. 

My opponent also professes to have given freedom 
to these United States, I am much mistaken if this 
hypothetic boast, will not also be classed among the 
two-sided subjects, by a very numerous and intelligent 
portion of the community. See the following view 
of it, published by a talented native American, in 
"The Public Ledger," newspaper, for February 22d, 
1839. Speaking of Washington, he says : — 

"We are not among those who ascribe to this 



39 

great man the whole credit of the revolution. That 
contest ORIGINATED in the high spirit of a virtuous 
and enlightened people, who inherited freedom, knew 
its value, and were resolved to maintain it. Neither 
are we indebted to Washington's forbearance for the 
preservation of our republican institutions. They 
were imported as a birth-right by the first English 
settlers of the continent, had always been maintained 
with jealous vigilance, and would not have been sur- 
rendered to Washington, or any other man. Our 
revolutionary fathers fought to preserve, not to ac- 
quire freedom; and the revolution would have be- 
gun, proceeded successfully, and resulted in a re- 
publican constitution for the nation and each of the 
States, had Washington never been born." 

And again : 

Cause of American Independence. — "If," says 
the author of Lacon, ''a private country gentleman 
in Cheshire, about the year 1730, had not been over- 
turned in his carriage, it is extremely probable that 
America, instead of being a free republic at this mo- 
ment, would have continued a dependent colony of 
England. This country gentleman happened to be 
Augustin Washington, Esq., who was thus accident- 
ally thrown into the company of a lady, who after- 
wards became his wife, who emigrated with him to 
America, and in the year 1732, at Virginia, became 
the mother of George Washington." 

6 



40 

Passing over much of the matter suggested by mj 
rival, (see pp. 23, 24, &c.,) as remarkable only 
for drollery, irony, or pun, or if the real facts of the 
case be indeed there embodied, as deserving of 
everlasting reprobation and infamy, I would pro- 
ceed seriously to object to the course of policy 
recommended by her respecting "foreigners," par- 
ticularly those from the British dominions, and at 
the same time to record my reasons for advising a 
very different mode. Her course I hold to be both 
ungrateful and impolitic, although among the vulgar, 
the ignorant, the dishonest, and the dregs of mankind, 
it might pass current for a while. My reasons are 
the following, viz : 

1st. We are indebted to foreigners for the very 
country of which we are so justly proud, as well as 
for the very essence of our freedom or independence ; 
"other men labored, and we are entered into their la- 
bors." Great Britian expended millions of her trea- 
sure on this country, from which w^e are deriving all 
the benefit, and the country was indebted to her to the 
amount of millions before the revolutionary war, nor 
can I see any possible cause for hatred and animosity 
against our English ancestors, on account of that war, 
which after all is said and done, was a quarrel not be- 
tween two nations, (for the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, the constitution and laws of these United States, 
had then no existence,) but it was, in point of fact, a 



41 

difference of opinion between subjects of the same 
government, and if the results have been so fortunate 
for us, gratitude to the Almighty, for undeserved fa- 
vors, and not insult, provocation, low cunning, abuse, 
and base ingratitude should mark our conduct and 
distinguish our enhghtened policy. The anecdote 
of the two novices, who received each a shell of the 
oyster, while the third availed himself of the contents, 
may almost be considered an illustration of this sub- 
ject. 

Another reason is founded upon the fact, that we 
owe our personal origin to foreigners. It is said of 
a certain cynic philosopher that he lighted his lamp 
in the day time, to assist him in discovering that rare 
commodity, an honest man : where can we now find 
a true aboriginal American, unless perchance, we 
happen to meet some wandering Indian, in the depth 
of the forest shade, and they, poor, persecuted beings, 
will not hesitate to admit ihdit foreigiiers only, or the 
descendants of foreigners, mosquito-like, srvarm on the 
green sward of their native plains, and rudely shoul- 
der them from the humble thresholds of their wig- 
wams. Is it too much then to expect from these 
same foreigners and their descendants, that they 
ought to make a national application of one of hea- 
ven's high commands, viz: " Honor thy i^iYiex-land, 
and thy mother country, that thy days may be long 
in this land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 



4% 

Another reason is based upon the axiom that to 
foreigners we are indebted for our language ; it seems 
essential to the distinctive character of any nation, 
that it should have a language peculiar to itself, thus 
the Hebrews have their's, the Greeks their's, the La- 
tins their's, the French their's, the Spaniards their's, 
the Germans their's, and so of the rest, but what lan- 
guage has been invented for the United States of 
America? none; and had we not wisely retained the 
English, as our ''mother tongue," we should have 
been thrown back upon the Babel "confusion worse 
confounded," which the unintelligible jargon of all 
nations has flung upon our shores ; we are then in- 
debted to England for the very medium through 
which we hear "the sweet music of speech." 

Another relates to the laws by which we are gov- 
erned as a people. It is well known that the com- 
mentaries of Judge Blackstone, Sir Matthew Hale, 
the unrepealed laws still in force since the country 
was an English colony, the legal decisions of Chief 
Justice Kenyon and other eminent British authori- 
ties, are constantly produced in our courts here, as 
the best criteria of appeal in all difficult cases of 
forensic importance. 

Another relates to literature and education. If 
you will only visit your most respectable universities, 
medical colleges, and education departments, and 
inquire what authors are read and studied as standard 



43 

works, in the most learned and useful professions, you 
will soon discover that they are "foreign works," and 
principally British authors : Cooper, as a novelist — 
Washington Irving, as the author of very pleasing 
sketches — and Mrs. Sigourney, as a poetess, have, 
with various others, all their respective merits ; but, 
if languages, 'philosophy, science, and the arts, were 
depending on them, our seats of learning would be 
poor indeed. 

The second fundamental principle, which I also 
approve, recommends "The extension and deepen- 
ing of sound education and solid erudition, in order 
to enable us to cope with the most learned and popu- 
lar authors in Europe." 

It is said that some of those universities, colleges, 
academies, halls of science, seats of learning, with 
others of perhaps equally "magnificent titles," claim- 
ed to have been founded by my learned rival, teach 
little more than what is called "the entrance course" 
in some European universities. Should this be pro- 
claimed, by her or her votaries, as a false report, the 
point can be easily decided by a comparison of her 
collegiate course with the following synopsis of the 
course of studies in " Trinity College, Dublin,'^ 
Ireland, and which may serve as a specimen : 

COLLEGE COURSE. 

ENTRANCE. 

Greek. — First eight Books of Homer's lUiad. — Ormston's Ex- 
tracts from Greek Writers — Walker's Lucian — Greek Testament, 



44 

viz: Four Gospels and Acts. — Latin. — Virgil's Eclogues, 1, 4, 9 
— First six Books of iEneid — Terence, Andrian, and Heautonti- 
moruraenos ; Salliist ; Horace; Juvenal, 3, 10, 13, 14, Satires 

SCHOLARSHIP COURSE. 

Every Greek and Latin Book read for Entrance and from the 
First examination to the Easter Term of the Junior Sophister year 
inclusive. — Senior Sophisters, read in addition, Livy, to the end of 
the 30th Book. 

EXAMINATIONS. 

JUNIOR FRESHMKN. 

Hilary. — Murray's TiOgic, to the end of the fourth Chapter, 3d 
Part.— Homer, Books, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14— Six last Books of 
iEneid. 

Easter. — Remainder of Logic. — Locke, viz : Introduction, and 
first 11 Chapters of the 2d Book. — Homer, Books, 15, 16, 17, 18, 
19, 20, — Horace, viz: Odes, Epodes, and Carmen Seculare. 

Trinity. — Elrington's Euclid, 1st Book — Homer, Books, 21, 
22, 23, 24— Sallust. 

Michaelmas. — Second and Third Books of Euclid — Xenophon's 
Anab. Books, 1, 2, 3, 4 — Terence, except the Eunuch. 

SENIOR FRESHMEN. 

Hilary. — Definition of the 5th Book, and 6th Book of El. Eu- 
clid, except prop. 27, 28, and 29, of 6th Book. — Stock's Lucian — 
Juvenal, Sat. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, and Perseus, except Sat. 4. 

Easter. — Algebra, Plutarch, Numa and Lycurgus ; Livy, Books, 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

Trinity. — Locke, remainder of the 2d Book, (omitting from 12th 
to 73d Sect, of the 21st Chapter, and from 11th Sect, to the end of 
27th Chapter ;) and first six Chapters of 3d Book — Demosthenes, 
Vol. 1st — Cicero, viz : Lex. Maniha, Archias, Milo, Marcellus, 
and Ligarius. 

Michaelmas. — Remainder of Locke — Demosthenes, 2d Vol.— 
Cicero's Orations against Cataline, and 1,2, 9, Philippics. 

JUNIOR SOPHISTERS. 

Hilary. — Brinkley's Astronomy, to the end of the 18th Chap., 
omitting from Sect. 117, to the end of Chap. 7. — Note on Sect. 
145 — Examples in Chap. 11, the whole of Chap. 12, and from 
Sect. 302, to the end of Chap. 16. Demosthenes, 3d Vol. Vir- 
gil's Georgics. 



45 

Easter. — Hamilton's four Introductory Lectures — First Sixty- 
six Pages of Selections from Helsham's Lectures. Demosthenes, 
4th Vol. Horace, Sat. Epist. and Ars Poetica. 

Trinity. — Remainder of Selections from Helsham's Lectures. 
Philoctetes of Sophocles. Tacitus de Moribus Germanoriim and 
Agricola. 

Michaelmas. — Stack's Optics, excepting Sect, 2, 4, 6, 9. Eu- 
ripides, VIZ. Hipp, and Iphig. in Aulis. Livy, Books, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 

SENIOR SOPHISTERS. 

Hilary. — Burlemaqui's Natural Law, omitting first four Chap- 
ters 1st Book, and 8, 9, 10, and 11 Chapters of 2d Book, reading 
however 1st Sect, of 9th Chap, and 1, 4, 9, Sect, of 10th Chap, 
and 11, 12, 13, 14 Sect, of 11th Chap. Sophocles, viz. Electra &l 
(Epidus Tyrannus. Livy, Books 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. 

Easter. — Butler's Analogy, Introduction, Part 1. Chapters, 4, 
5, 7, and Conclusion ; all Part 2, except 7. Sophocles, (Edip. Co- 
loneus and Antigone. Livy, Books, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. 

Trinity. — Leland and Porteus — of Sophocles, viz. Trachinae. 
Livy, Books 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. 

Michaelmas.— Tv\\y''» Offices, ending with Formula Stoicorum. 
Longinus. Annals of Tacitus. 

Exam.ination for Science Medal. — All the Science of the Un- 
der-Graduate Course, and omitted parts of Brinkley's Astronomy, 
and Stack's Optics. First 16 propositions of Newton's Principia. 
Application of Algebra to Geometry. Butler's Analogy, as above. 

Examination for Classical Medal. — Longinus. ^Eschylus sep- 
tem contra Thebas. Annals of Tacitus. Cicero de Oratore. Art 
of Poetry of Horace. 

Fellow-Commoners answer for their Degree in the Easter term 
of their Senior Sophister year, and read Longinus and Tacitus, in 
place of Sophocles and Livy. 

The following is from the writer already quoted, 
on American literature. Let us hear what he says 
in his journal for March 11, 1839 : 

" Literature. — It cannot be denied that literature 
has undergone during the present century, and par- 



46 

ticularly within the last twenty years, a rapid decline. 
The press, it is true, still teems with a numerous 
brood of mongrel productions ; but they realize the 
fable of the fox that boasted to the lioness of her su- 
perior fruitfulness — however numerous her whelps, 
they were but foxes still. We are deluged with new 
works, not one of which will outlive the year of its 
publication. Compilation follows compilation; old 
dishes are hashed up, produced and reproduced; the 
stall of the bookseller is crowded with fashionable 
novels, miscellanies, sketches, tales, tomes, Peter Par- 
leys and Penny Magazines ; but there is not among 
all its accumulated trash a single volume for which 
posterity will be grateful. Even the attempt to earn 
an elevated literary reputation appears to be aban- 
doned ; and the paths which once acknowledged the 
footsteps of Addison, Pope, Johnson and Scott, are 
now crowded by a paltry race of magazine mongers, 
grinders of useful compilations and haberdashers of 
trash for children, more unsubstantial and unwhole- 
some than green fruit." 

My next relates to Wealth. Ask our banks, and 
wealthiest merchants, from what source they have 
obtained their capital and specie funds. The banks 
and merchants, if they speak truth, will point out 
England as the grand fountain of specie capital and 
wealth. If from these we glance at our most grand, 
splendid, and useful inventions, such as gas-light, 
and rail roads — our cotton factories and machinery — 
our founderies and glass works — our agriculturists, 
horticulturists, botanists, and florists, and enquire 



47 

from whence came their projectors and managers? the 
answer will be, '^ we were all originally foreigners.''^ 
My remaining arguments on this part shall be 
built upon '' Policy." England is, confessedly, the 
most wealthy, the most powerful, and the most gen- 
erous nation in the world. Her amazing wealth may 
be inferred from the fact, that there are few na- 
tions which are not her debtors, and she is debtor to 
none. At the time of the Revolution, the merchants 
of this country were considered indebted to her in 
the amount of eight ee7i millions of dollars, and some 
say, the war offered to them the most convenient 
mode of payment. How much the present race of 
merchants and banks owe to the same quarter, in con- 
sequence of the late pressure, is not, I believe, gene- 
rally known, but it is well known to be " pretty con- 
siderable." The following may furnish some idea. 

State Indebtedness. — The Albany Argus of Tuesday, contains 
a statement prepared by Mr. Flagg, late Comptroller of the State 
of New York, showing the amount of stock issued, or authorized 
to be issued, in different States of the Union. Eight States, it ap- 
pears, have kept themselves clear of such indebtedness. 

Maine is in for $.555,976 00 

Massachusetts 4,200,000 00 

New York 18,262,406 84 

Pennsylvania 27,300,790 00 

Maryland 11,492,900 73 

Virginia 6,662,089 00 

South Carolina 5,753,770 12 

Alabama 10,800,000 00 

Louisiana 23,735,000 00 

7 



Tennessee 7,148,166 66 

Kentucky 7,300,000 00 

Ohio 6,101,000 GO 

Indiana 11,890,000 00 

Illinois 11,600,000 00 

Missouri - 2^560,000 00 

Mississippi 7,090,000 00 

Arkansas 3,000,000 00 

Michigan 5,340,000 00 

$170,806,179 35 

Amount of sums exported from England between 1816 aud 1825, 
and absorbed by the loans of Mexico, Colombia, Chili, Poyais, 
Peru, Australia, Guatemala and Guadalaxara, and 4 to 500 millions 
exported of late years to Russia, Spain, and the United States. 

I, however, for one, most devoutly hope that ano- 
ther war, such as we have recently been threatened 
with, will not afford a similar opportunity of balan- 
cing accounts. See the following paragraph from 
the " Public Ledger," of Feb. 25, 1839:— 

" Gen. Scott arrived in this city on Saturday, on 
his way to Washington, to confer with the President 
upon the difficulties on the frontier. He represents 
the people as in a high state of exasperation ; saying 
that the feeling once confined to a few lawless per- 
sons on both sides, is now pervading the whole pop- 
ulation, and that if 20,000 men more were wanted 
for a Canadian invasion, they could be collected in 
one hour." Qwere— Would the General volunteer 
to be their commander ? 

That she is the most powerful as to extent of terri- 
torial dominion, alliance, and influence, admits of no 



49 

dispute, not to speak of Great Britain and Ireland, 
including the Isle of Man, North and South Wales, 
&c. ; her possessions on the continent of America 
alone, are reported far more extensive than the Uni- 
ted States ; witness the ample regions of Upper and 
Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, 
Prince Edward's Island, Cape Breton, and New- 
foundland, not to mention the West India Islands — 
but all these constitute only a comparative speck on 
the map of her vast possessions, her almost boundless 
principalities and dominions in the East Indies, in 
Africa, Australia, including the continent of New 
Holland, New Zealand, the islands of the great 
Pacific, added to the fact that the boundless liquid 
world, over which the heathen god Neptune so long 
swayed his trident sceptre, is now the vassal of Eng- 
land; for, without a rival, "Britannia rules the seas." 

" The Extent of the British Empire. — The Montreal Herald, 
speaking of tlie possessions of Great Britain, says : — On her vast 
territories the evening rays forsake the groves of Honduras, his 
morning beams strike the spires of Calcutta, and before they dis- 
appear from the population of Montreal, they gladden British sub- 
jects on the western shores of New Holland. The British flag is 
never struck, and the ships of her navy, her wooden walls, are 
floating forti'esses, with military stations, dotting all over the globe, 
in every clime and in every sea. 

Mr. Webster in one of his speeches, describes England, as a 
power to which, for purposes of foreign conquest and subjugation, 
Rome, in the height of her glory, is not to be compared — a power 
which has dotted over the surface of the whole globe with her pos- 
sessions and military posts, whose morning drum-beat following 
the sun, and accompanying the hours, circles the earth daily, with 
one continuous and unbroken strain of the martial airs of England." 



60 

Hie comparative slrenglh of the British Navy and those of 
France, Hussia, and America. — The English ships of the line 
are stated to be 90 ; of France, 49 ; of Russia, 50 ; United States, 
15. 

The English frigates number 93 ; French, 60 ; Russian, 25 ; 
American, 35. 

The English steamships of war, 12; French, 37; Russian, 8; 
American, 1, building 9. 

Her land forces are admitted to be proportionably powerful. 

As to her alliances, all the political powers on earth 
may be said to be either her allies or her dependents ; 
so that like a mighty " steamboat," she tows creation 
after her, politically speaking : Is it not, then, sound 
policy to secure her friendship, rather than wantonly 
provoke her v/rath. The political rank which she 
now holds is widely different from what it was when 
these States were separated from her. The follow- 
ing is quoted from the last speech of the young Bri- 
tish Queen to her parliament : — 

"I have been engaged, in concert with Austria, France, Prussia 
and Russia, in negotiations with a view to a final settlement of the 
differences between Holland and Belgium." — Queen's Speech, Feb. 
1839. 

As to the generosity of Great Britain, the late case 
of the French indemnity claim, is no contemptible 
instance of it : never was there a fairer opportunity 
to renew the old quarrel with effect, had England 
been so disposed ; France, to avoid paying so large an 
amount, would willingly have united with England 
to make war on this country. It is admitted on all 
hands, that we were not in a condition either as to 



61 

army, navy or fortresses, successfully to resist. At 
this eventful crisis, the royal William of England 
nobly volunteered his mediation — it was joyfully ac- 
cepted — and he instantly ordered Louis Phillippe to 
pay — to pay without any abatement — aye, and to pay 
with interest; and had he refused to obey the man- 
date, another field of "Waterloo" might have wit- 
nessed another interview between the lion of Eng- 
land and the eagle of France. But Louis Phillippe 
was too wise a politician to risk his throne and scep- 
tre on the event. The generositij of England is al- 
most constantly manifested by liberally contributing 
in any exigency which afflicts this country. The 
large contributions obtained to repair the damages 
occasioned by the late great fire in the city of New 
York, and every similar occurrence, comments on 
the fact. I can speak from personal knowledge, that 
the amount of little less than 200,000 dollars in cash, 
value and legacies, were contributed towards public 
institutions in America; and for contributions in sup- 
port of some college, school, church, sect, or to re- 
dress some calamity in this country, England, Ire- 
land and Scotland, are almost constantly honored 
with the presence of begging commissioners. And is 
it sound policy to shut up such fruitful sources of 
benevolence by such inflammatory language as my 
rival employs? But does Great Britain ever send to 
us for assistance, in her emergencies, to build her 



52 

colleges, schools, churches, or to repair the ravages 
occasioned by fire? I troiv not; I never heard of 
an instance of the kind. 

A more wise, consistent, and honorable line of 
conduct to be observed towards those ^'' for signers, ^^ 
who come as emigrants or settlers to our shores, than 
my opponent recommends, (see p. 23,) according to 
my views, may be gathered from the following sup- 
posed form of a letter which, from facts and actual 
experience, I should wish every foreign emigrant to 
be enabled to write home shortly after his arrival 
among ns, viz : 

**My Dear Friend — 

"It gives me heart-fell pleasure to inform you, that by the bless- 
ing of Providence, we all happily escaped the dangers of the great 
deep, and safely arrived in this land not oi promise only, but oi per- 
formance also, for however extravagant the printed accounts which 
we had read in praise of this country, and particularly the placards 
circulated by the sea captains, in our native town, who, you may 
remember we were told by some, only wanted to make up their 
usual number of passengers, at our expense, yet I can now inform 
you from personal experience, that even the one half was not told 
us. The captain and crew were kind, humane, and very attentive 
during the passage, and on arriving at the wharf in the fine City of 
Philadelphia, several kind ladies and gentlemen came on board, 
being members of a patriotic society Avhich we were informed, and 
have since found to be correct, is established in each American 
sea port for the same benevolent purpose. They cordially welcom- 
ed us to their shores, saying in substance to us, ' We hail you as 
some of our best friends; you have sold your little property in the 
land of your fathers, and brought the amount to circulate among 
us ; you have nobly decided to give the preference to our country, 
and government, and have ventured your persons on the great deep ; 
you have come to assist us with your inventions, your talents, and 



53 

your industry ; in return, we feel that we only do our duty by en- 
deavoring to prove to you that your confidence is not misplaced ; 
we will faithfully advise you how to dispose of your little capital 
to the best advantage for your family and descendants, the most 
suitable part for you to settle, or the most profitable business for 
you to embark in. In the mean time we shall direct you to honest 
places of temporary accommodation, where yourselves and your 
property will be safe and retired, until your ultimate wishes be car- 
ried into effect.' All this we have had realised most fully, so that you 
need not fear to dispose of your property, and come immediately, 
and advise all your frionds to do the same. 

" Yours affectionately, 



Now this I should call the very essence of sound 
policy, to say the least; you would then have a race 
of settlers, not like too many who have arrived here 
— the scum of the earth — the refuse of all na- 
tions — the moral filth of the world — paupers — va- 
grants — vagabonds — swindlers — robbers — murder- 
ers — outlaws — and such like, by whom it is a pity 
such a fine country should be disgraced ; but you 
would shortly drain from the nations of Europe the 
wealthy, --the w^ise, — the learned, — the moral, — the 
pious, — and the important national benefits which 
would consequently accrue to these United States, 
may well be imagined, but cannot easily be described 
— we should then have more announcements like the 
foUovv^ing : 

For Iowa. — Nearly a thousand Saxons lately arrived at New 
Orleans, bound for Iowa, or Missouri, with upwards of one hun- 
dred thousand pounds sterling, in gold and silver. — Pub. Ledger, 
April 23, 1839. 



54 

So much may be said in illustration of the third fun- 
damental principle of American greatness, viz : " The 
sedulous cultivation of the esteem, the respect, and 
the veneration of the better orders of foreigners of all 
nations, more particularly those of the British Do- 
minions, if only to induce a more wealthy and de- 
serving class of emigrants to settle among us." 

Another fundamental principle of ^^^ American 
Greatness,^' and which I fully approve, (see p. 12,) 
you may recollect recommended the "most sincere 
and deferential submission to the Constitution, Gov- 
ernment, and Laws of these United States, in oppo- 
sition to all mob violence, and ' Lynch-law.' so call- 
ed." At present, the Judge whose decisions seem 
to be most generally respected and feared through- 
out the community, are the summary, disgraceful, 
and exterminating decisions of ^^ Judge Lynch,'''' who 
aims at holding within his own individual grasp all 
the Presidential, Congressional, Senatorial, and Ex- 
ecutive powers. This imaginary personage is, in 
fact. Judge, Jury, Executioner, and all, in his own 
person, while the justice or injustice of his proceed- 
ings, is not a subject of examination, until it is im- 
possible to reverse them. See the following speci- 
men: — 

" Horrid Results of Lynching. — In Schuyler county, Illinois, 
a man by the name of Sampson stole a trunk while laboring under 
derangement of mind, and being pursued, was caught and whipped 
to death for the offence. His brother, a highly respectable citizen, 



55 

was in pursuit of him when he learnt the melancholy story of hit 
death. His delirium was caused by sickness, and he had escaped 
from his brother's house but a short time before he M' as seized and 
Lynched till he died." — Boston Times. 

But a short time before, a man was roasted alive 

over a slow fire. 

" Thus it always turns out, when any other course than such as 
is sanctioned by law is pursued to remedy an evil, or to bring an 
offender to justice. Under the plea of dealing^ws/ice to an offend- 
er, crimes are perpetrated far more atrocious than those which are 
urged as affording a pretext for their commission. Yet we regret 
that there are to be found, in every comnmnity, individuals so ig- 
norant of their own rights as freemen, and of the rights of others, 
as to publicly advocate this system of 'summary justice,' or Lynch 
law. Though we are aware that most of these advocates may be 
found only among the valiant pot-house politicians of the day, yet 
their influence, small as it may be, and convincing as their argu- 
ments generally are of their own ignorance, can be traced, in its 
effects, in various parts of our country during the last few years. 
Who is there now, among the m.ob by which this morally innocent 
man was sacrificed, but would hide his head at his participation in 
the crime." — Ledger, March 20. 

But my fourth principle for securing American 
greatness, relates also to the reformation of certain 
existing laws, which it is presumed are not honor- 
able to a great and free country — to the abrogation 
of certain offensive and unnecessary celebrations, 
usages, and customs — the reformation of the public 
"press," and very especially the ecclesiastical con- 
dition of the country. 

The laws which, in my humble opinion, more par- 
ticularly require reformation, are the following : — 
1st. The laws which relate to imprisonment for debt. 

8 



56 

These, even in this state, were positively abominable 
— to be convinced of this, one need only read the 
following humiliating statement which appeared in 
one of our public newspapers : 

" Creditors were in the practice of reducing their claims of $5 50, 
$6 or $7, Avith a view to the imprisonment of the small debtor, or 
to debar him from an appeal or the legal stay of execution for three 
months, whenever the claim did not exceed $20. The consequen- 
ces of such rigor, in its prevailing extent, were highly onerous to 
the poor unfortunates. The Arch street Prison was, by reason of 
the measure, well tenanted. In a few months no less than forty 
persons were locked up for debts, varying from 2 or 3 cents to 5 
dollars, and confined for various terras, from a single day to a month. 
The total amount of the claims was ascertained to be less than $29, 
while the costs of the magistrates and constables wei'e in each case 
from $1 25 to about $2 75 or upwards — together in the cases re- 
ferred to, upwards of $85, or nearly three times the amount of all 
the debts. But few paid the amount of judgment and costs in these 
instances — say about one-fifth of the number. The very object of 
imprisonment, to exact the demand of the creditor, was defeated. 
The means proved inadequate to the end proposed to be obtained. 
Most of the debtors were released under the Bread Act, the Thirty 
day Act, or by the Insolvent Law. Some of the creditors, of per- 
secuting dispositions, paid bread money, at 20 cents the day, or 
$1 20 per week, to an amount beyond the original debt and interest, 
and others subjected themselves to fees and expenses of opposition 
to double and treble their claims. The unmerciful and revengeful 
acted under color and by virtue of a disgraceful, oppressive law of 
the land." 

If this be a fair specimen of the unrepealed laws 
on this subject, in other states, there cannot be a re- 
formation too soon. 

As to certain public "celebrations," "customs," 
and "usages," I have already trespassed so long on 
your time and patience, that I cannot be so cruel as 



67 

to detain you for particular detail; and I shall there- 
fore on this point only incidentally observe, that if the 
annual amount expended in powder every 4th of July, 
instead of unnecessarily alarming the animalculae 
republics, Avho claim to be natives of the sun-beam 
and the nebulse, were applied to the purchase of food, 
clothing, and fuel, for the famishing poor during each 
of your long ice-bound winters, it would be a glorious 
" REFORMATION," uot to speak of the saving of human 
life — the blowing off of legs, hands, arms, &c. — the 
curses, lies, and blasphemy, which are the usual ac- 
companiments of that day : and not to speak of the 
bad feeling engendered among "foreigners" who, al- 
though from courtesy, they may not say so, most 
certainly feel it to be an annual insult to their feel- 
ings, especially those from the British dominions. 

The following, on the subject, is extracted from a 
very sensible article headed, " The Fourth of July,'' ^ 
from the pen of Russell Jarvis, Esq., a native Ame- 
rican, and the talented proprietor of "The World." 
See his paper of May 6, 1839. 

" We urge another objection against celebrations out of town, 
and, as we consider it, the greatest of all. All such exhibitions 
are merely for the purpose of eating and drinking. No arrange- 
ments are usually made, excepting for a dinner and wine. If any 
toasts are offered, they are usually volunteers, the vinous effusions 
of the brain steeped in the second, or at least in the first bottle, and 
not the previous preparations of a committee not yet intoxicated. 
Sober thoughts are always the best, and especially on subjects so 
exciting as politics ; and therefore we may expect that truth and 
decency will be violated less by sober committees than by inebria- 



5S 

ted volunteers. Then what improvement is to be derived, what 
proper reflections inspired, what new and useful ideas are to be ob- 
tained, from roaring over a bottle of wine, absolved from the re- 
straints usually imposed by the presence of the public, the com- 
munity of which we are a part ? In this view we regard these out 
of town celebrations as schools of moral mischief, and have seldom 
heard of one that was not marked by some discreditable incident." 

My next glances at the reformation of the Public 
Press, so frequently denominated the "Great Palla- 
dium" of the country. Personal and domestic slan- 
der, calumny and scandal may have slain their thou- 
sands and tens of thousands, but it is said that the press 
of this country trades in wholesale aspersion, and with 
electro-telegraphic despatch circulates its upas poison 
from editor to editor, from village to village, from 
city to city, from island to island, from nation to na- 
tion, from sea to sea, and from shore to shore, and 
in most cases where any party interest is at stake, 
will refuse to publish the antidote or reply. 

The following melancholy portrait of the public 

press in this country, is from the pen of the eloquent 

Mr. Webster, who had/e/^ the necessity for such an 

expose : 

" The press, when judiciously managed, is one of the greatest 
blessings of a civilized people ; when abused, it is the most power- 
ful instrument of mischief. Probably no civil privilege in this 
country is so much perverted and abused. In no country is repu- 
tation held so cheap. Slander, like the scythe of death, levels all 
worth and distinction ; the press, one of the noblest instruments of 
improvement, is converted into an instrument of deception. The 
moral effect of this abuse is lamentable, for it seems to have become 
a ruling belief of partisans that a man has a right to defame those 
who differ from him in opinion. 



59 

"At present, no reputation is safe, especially that of a man in 
public life, or one who appears before the public for the most laud- 
able purpose. What a noble improvement in our public prints 
shall we witness, when facts shall be carefully collected, judicious- 
ly selected and fairly published, without conjectural inference ; and 
when principles shall be discussed with ability and candor, with- 
out assailing character and motives^ 

AVould to God this applied only to political life. The slanders 
of the church press are still more degrading and intolerable. 

One Editor, indeed seems to have ventured to lift 
his feeble voice in favor of the reformation to which 
I now briefly advert, and to set the example in his 
own person, but how far it will be followed by others, 
remains to be seen : 

"The editor of the Richmond Whig has declared that 'he will 
not aid in any attempt to injure the private reputation of any man, 
because he may differ from him in political sentiment.' The prin- 
ciple is correct; it should be inscribed in characters both legible 
and durable, upon the walls of every printing office, and of every 
State House and Capitol in the country. Moreover it should be 
committed to memory by every politician, and frequently repeated 
for the benefit of the risinof generation." 



'& t)^ 



Well has the poet remarked, 

" On Eagle's wings immortal scandals fly, 
While short-XiweA truth is born but to die." 

Another refers to politics : 

" Who is not sick — sick — sick of politics ? Who does not curse 
the hour when the political war, which has prevailed for some ten 
years, certainly the noisiest since the days of Babel, was commen- 
ced ? Who is not tired with the eternal clamor and confusion made 
by partisan zealots and partisan priests — the hard knocks and ugly 
names — big meetings and small riots — long documents and hot 
speeches ? Who does not wish the whole lot of presidents, and 
would-be presidents, politicians, banks, congressmen, orators, edi- 
tor* and all to the deuse ? 



60 

Our people have grown savage ; the parties appear to be fully 
prepared to devour each other. 

Contention, like a horse 
Full of high feeding-, madly hath broke loose, 
And bears down all before him. 

A political paper, to be popular, must breathe nothing but blood and 
thunder — a speaker, to catch the hearts of his audience, must rail 
like a fishmonger, and even elevated statesmen are expected to 

'Unpack their souls with oaths, 



And fall a cursing.' 

An observer would scarcely believe that we are the same quiet, 
good-natured, comfortable people that overspread this fair land a 
few years since. They were happy and peaceable — we are the 
most miserable dogs that ever lived. We never speak on politics 
except to rail and manage in one way or another to keep ourselves 
most of the time fuming like a steamboiler. Politics — politics — 
politics ! Americans live upon it. It is the business of life. Quar- 
relling is the greatest enjoyment of ' our happy people.' From 
one end of the year to the other, we smoke like an unquiet volcano. 
Are we poor ? politics is our business — are we rich ? it is our plea- 
sure. Politics ! It has conquered every heart, and mortgaged 
every tongue ; it has engrossed every circle, and impregnated the 
very atmosphere we breathe. It is howled in the town-meeting, 
vociferated in the oyster cellar, and lisped in the drawing-room. 
Even the ladies have become politicians ; and instead of discussing 
the latest fashion, discourse learnedly on the failure of the loan, and 
the rough antics of Wise or Prentice. 

*It is the very error of the moon, 
That comes more near the earth than is her wont, 
And makes men mad.' 

Vain are all the attempts of a careless, laughter-loving wight to es- 
cape from politics. Let him go where he will, the nation's calami- 
ties and dangers are thrown in his teeth. On the promenade, or 
at the athenaeum, in the theatre, or on 'change, he is saluted at 
every turn — ' What news from Washington ?' ' Is it true that 
Van Buren and Biddle have shaken hands and buried the hatchet?' 
' Is the loan taken yet ?' &;c. &c. until he gives up in despair." — 
Pub. Led. March 11, 1839. 



61 

*' To Preserve the Purity of Elections. — An act for this pur- 
pose is before the General Assembly of the State. It provides for 
the election of an inspector of each party. Such a law is very 
much required ; for there cannot be much doubt that deep corrup- 
tion has cliaracterized our election polls for the last few years ; that 
fraud and perjury will still characterize them in future, unless some 
such act as this should be passed, for all parties have corrupt lead- 
ers, and therefore neither of them is to be trusted alone. The only 
way to keep politicians at all honest, is to take away from them 
the opportunity to be dishonest. Under the present election law 
there are too many opportunities ; for it is very seldom that the 
judges and inspectors inside of a poll are of different politics. But 
if the board of judges and inspectors be divided in politics, one side 
will be a check on the other ; there will be no chance for cheating, 
perjury, or evasion of the laws ; for both being interested to prevent 
it, they will each of them keep vigilant watch, that none but legal 
votes are taken, and that no votes but those so legally taken shall 
be counted. ' Set a rogue to catch a rogue,' is a saying nearly as 
old as roguery itself." — ib. 

Another law, which calls aloud for reformation, is 
that respecting ^^ marriages,"" and ^^ divorces T So 
very few obstacles are thrown in the way of juvenile^ 
premature, and inconsiderate marriages, — and still 
fewer in the way of "divorces," — that the system, by 
some, is considered highly objectionable. It is said 
there is no law in this state requiring witnesses to be 
present — the hanns to be published — the ceremony 
to be publicly performed — a marriage certificate to be 
given, — or even a register to be kept. Any respect- 
able married lady, who reads the following, may well 
be alarmed for her reputation and that of her inno- 
cent offspring, unless she can manage to be the keeper 
of her own marriage register, viz : — 



62 

" Wu have no law compelling the keeping of a register by all 
persons who perform the marriage ceremony : our marriages are 
sometimes celebrated by clergymen, sometimes by justices of the 
peace, and sometimes before witnesses, without the intervention of 
either clergyman or justice." — Sergeant &r Rawle's Reports on 
the Laws of Pennsylvania, vol. 2, p. 477. 

Is not this lax system enough to make the nations 
of Europe look with contempt on an American mar- 
riage? and then as to ''divorces," read the following, 
and say if these laws are so "perfect," as neither to 
require nor admit of amendment : — 

" Divorces. — ' What God has joined let no man put asunder.' 
The legislature of Alabama which has just closed, divorced twen- 
ty-six couple. It appears that the good old doctrine that marriage 
is indissoluble no longer prevails. This is becoming a fine state 
for sensualists, who may marry fair women, and after feasting on 
their beauty until it fades, have themselves divorced with very little 
trouble, and marry others — '0! shame Avhere is thy blush.' — 
N. York paper of Saturday, 22d Jlpril. 

See also the following from the Public Ledger : — 

" In your paper of this morning, I see, among the police reports, 
an account of the case of Julia Humphreys and her sister, said to 
have been married both to the saiiie husband, and by the same 
minister!" 

" Divorces. — There were forty applications for divorce at a late 
term of the Supreme Court of Ohio." 

As to her ''glorious variety of churches, sects," 
&c., (see p. 22,) she is well aware that all the more 
orthodox of them are derived either directly or indi- 
rectly from the established church of England. The 
"Mormons," indeed are an exception, being, as I un- 
derstand, indisputably of native growth, at least so 
it would seem from the following quotation, and I 



63 

have no wish to dispute with her the honor of their 

inspiration, or to deny, that they, as \vell as my rival 

may have sprung from the "brains of Jupiter," or 

else that they are, in very deed, an emanation from 

her own '■'• magnificent wisdom T 

"A History of the Mormons, from their ongin'm New York, 
to the present time, is about to be published by two learned gentle- 
men of Missouri." 

But I have so often explained myself on the sub- 
ject of church reform, that any thing which I might 
now advance, on that point could be considered little 
short of tautology or repetition. — More hereafter. 

When these "amendments" shall be made, with 
many others perhaps equally important, which your 
own good sense will point out, and which I need not 
at present detain you by enumerating, but which I 
hereby pledge myself to promote, if I can only se- 
cure your patronage and co-operation. I say, when 
this "reformation" shall be carried into complete 
effect, in other words, when the "FOUR FUN- 
DAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN 
GREATNESS," shall have their full and perfect 
operation, — when our boasted " Surplus Revenue," 
the funds of the Colonization and Anti-Slavery so- 
cieties, with the result of a vigorous application to 
the benevolent every where, shall have raised a sum 
sufficient to effect, by honorable purchase from their 
owners, with their own consent, which I understand 
would not be withheld, without any bad feeling, the 

9 



64 

emancipation of "the sable sons of Ham," with the 
approbation of Congress, and thus, in the most correct 
way obHterate the odious blot of slavery from a pro- 
fessedly free nation, we may indeed with truth and 
pride exhibit" to an admiring world our noble country, 
not as a clumsy, tawdry, poverty-stricken, unedu- 
cated country female, as some would have her, 
but as a Majestic, Princely Lady, adorned with 
every grace, beauty, excellence and accomplishment 
which imagination can paint ; a model for the uni- 
verse — an asylum for the oppressed — the home of 
THE FREE — the desirc and hope of mankind realized, 
wMe the flimsy, sophistical, dishonorable system of 
my opponent at best, could be only comparable to 
the transient light of the meteor or rainbow, which 
may for a moment gild the outskirts of the gathering 
tempest, but quickly evanishing, leaves behind it the 
horrors of darkness. Finally, you may rest assured, 
that nothing short of the Refgrimation which I have 
advocated, wall prove to the w^orld that the oft-re- 
peated motto of our Commonwealth is any thing more 
than mere moonshine, without substance or meaning, 
viz: 

"VIRTUE, LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE." 



ADDENDA. 



MINUTES 

Of certain proceedings relating to a Lecture delivered by request, 
in Trinity Church, Kensington, Philadelphia, on the 8th day 
of March, 1839, by the Rev. G. M. West. 

Trinity Church, March 27th, 1839. 
For the proceedings of this day, see Document marked No. 1. 

Trinity Church, £pril 1st, 1839. 

The committee nominated at the last meeting, assembled this 
evening, together with a considerable audience, when some pre- 
liminary discussion took place on the subject of the " Governing 
Resolution," marked No. 2, (see same,) which was finally repass- 
ed unanimously by the committee, and authenticated by the official 
signatures of the Chairman and two Secretaries. The committee 
nominated Peter Rambo, Esq., to the office of Chairman, which 
was immediately accepted, and J. G. Ambler, and Joseph Weed, 
were appointed Secretaries. 

On motion, it was, 

Resolved, That the Committee proceed with the investigation 
in accordance with the " Governing Resolution," marked No. 2. 

The article signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," which appeared in 
the "World," newspaper, of March 19th, 1839, (see Doc. No. 3,) 
was called for, and on motion read by the Chairman. 

On motion, it was 

Resolved, That if there be any person or persons now present, 
intending to stand forth in defence of the aforesaid anonymous ar- 
ticle, signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," that they be forthwith ex- 
amined, and that all documents connected therewith, be laid before 
the committee. 

Whereupon, the paper marked No. 4, was immediately present- 
ed by Mr. Wm. Kenney, (see same.) 

The article signed "Philanthropos," which appeared in the 
"World," newspaper, of March 14th, 1839, was called for and on 
motion, read by the chairman, (see Doc. No. 5.) 



66 

On motion, the author of the article referred to, if present, was 
requested to make himself known, (no answer.) 

After which, on motion, the Rev. G. M. West's protest, pub- 
licly disavowing the sentiments attributed to him in the article 
signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," and published in the "World" 
newspaper, of March 21st, 1839, and five following newspapers, 
was called for and read. 

On motion. Resolved, That the Rev. G. M. West shall be al- 
lowed to conduct his defence, in any way he may think proper. 
First Witness called, Mr. Wm. Kenney. 

1st. By Chairman. — Is the statement in the " World" newspa- 
per, signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," substantially correct? An- 
swer. — To the best of my belief. 

2d. By Rev. G. M. TVcst. — Please define your meaning of the 
word "substantially," do you mean by it that every particular in 
that article is true, or do you mean the whole collectively, yet ad- 
mitting of exceptions ? Ans. — To the best of my knowledge or 
belief. 

3d. By Same. — Will you please state the meaning which you 
attach to the word belief, do you mean that the statement is true, 
or only your opinion? Ans. — It is my opinion. 

4th. By Committee. — Did Mr. West say that students graduating 
in our Universities were scarcely fit to enter Colleges in Europe? 
Ans. — It is my opinion that was the amount of his argument. 
T. Brant examined. 

1st. By Committee. — Were you present at the lecture? Ana. 
—Yes. 

2d. By the Same. — Is the statement in the "World," newspa- 
per signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," substantially correct? Ans. 
— To the best of my belief. On being further questioned admits 
that one part of the statement is only correct by inference. Refuses 
to answer any more questions unless the Rev. G. M. West will 
answer one he wishes to put to him, viz : 

Question by Mr. Brant to Rev. G. M. PFest. — Do you mean 
to hold yourself responsible for the opinions expressed in your 
lecture ? Ans. — I do hold myself responsible for every expression 
of my own opinion in that lecture, but not for the views or opinions 
of others which were only quoted on the occasion, and for the 
truth or falsity of which, I referred to the decision or judgment of 



67 

the audience themselves, in other words to a " Committee of the 
Whole House." 

After this, Mr. Brant refused to answer any more questions, 
pleading sickness and ill health. 
Joseph M. Rohrman examined. 

1st. By Committee. — Is the statement in the " World" newspa- 
per signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," substantially correct? Ans. 
— I believe so, but will not be positive. 

2d. Did Mr. West say that the natural wisdom of this country 
consisted in manufacturing wooden nutmegs, &c,, &;c. Ans. — I 
have forgotten. 

Mr. Kensey examined. 

On being questioned, said that the paper handed in to the com- 
mittee, by Mr. Kenney w^as correct, but refused to answer any 
more questions. 

Joseph S. Langer examined. 

1st. By Committee. — Is the statement in the "World," news- 
paper, signed "Anti-Foreign Humbug," substantially correct? 
Ans. — To the best of ray knowledge it is. I have no doubt of it. 
2d. Did the Rev. G. M. West say that all the religious sects in 
this country were but slips from the Episcopal Church in England ? 
I understood Mr. West to say that Universalism was the only na- 
tive one. 

3d. By Committee. — Did you understand Mr. West to say that 
a graduate in our Universities, was only fit to enter Colleges in 
Europe ? Ans. — I heard him say something of the kind. 

4th. By Committee. — Do you know that Mr. West's lecture 
gave offence to all who were present, except his English parasites? 
Ans. — All I heard speak of the lecture condemned it except two 
on the committee. 

By Rev. G. M. West. — Did you hear me state that I brought 
over to this country $200,000, for Literary Institutions ? Ans. — 
Can't recollect ; you either said you had collected or brought it over. 
By same. — Did I say that all the knowledge of the lawyers of 
this country consisted in a slight smattering of Blackstone, Lord 
Kenyon, &c. Ans. — Think you did. 
A. T. Montgomery. 

1st. By Committee. — Is the aforesaid statement in the " World" 
newspaper, substantially correct ? Ans. — To the best of my be- 
lief it is. Refuses to answer any more questions. 



68 

George Burr examined, President of Washington Assembly. 

1st. By Committee. — Is the aforesaid statement in the " World" 
newspaper substantially correct? Jlns. — Yes, has no doubt; be- 
lieves it to be a correct synopsis of the address delivered; does not 
know the author of said anonymous article, thinks it is a miserable 
paper and pities the author of it, answers voluntarily, did not un- 
derstand Mr. West to say that the natural wisdom of this country 
manifested itself in the manufacture of wooden nutmegs, &;c., as 
stated in that article, his opinion, drawn from inference. 

By Mr. West. — Did you hear me say that I had brought over 
to this country $200,000 for the benefit of Literary Institutions ? 
^ns. — Don't know if you said Literary, but understood you for 
the Institutions of this country. 

By same. — Did you hear me say that I had done more for 
this country than any priest or politician in it, or did I not rather 
say, that if any gentleman questioned my sincerity, I was wil- 
ling to compare notes with him, as to the practical proofs of my 
affection for the country ? Ans.—\ think you did. 

By same. — Did you hear me say that the lawyers of this coun- 
try knew nothing except what they collected from Blackstone's 
Commentaries, or the decisions of the Lord Chief Justice Ken- 
yon ? ^ns. — No. I know that the Washington Assembly knows 
nothing of the communication in the "World" newspaper; all reso- 
lutions that pass that society are signed by all its officers ; have not 
expressed my own opinion relative to the lecture. 

On motion the committee adjourned to meet at this place on 
next Wednesday week, the 10th inst. 

Signed officially, 

T* ' iir r Secretaries. 

Joseph Weed. 3 

Sent the communication marked No. 7, to the " Kensington 
Institute," the "Washington Assembly," and "Jefferson Library 
and Literary Association," enclosing correct copies of the " Govern- 
ing Resolution." 

Trinity Church, April 10th, 1839. 
The Committee met this evening, pursuant to adjournment. The 
proceedings of the last meeting were read, and after two slight al- 
terations, which have been corrected, were on motion, unanimously 
adopted. 



69 

A communication from the President of the Wasliington Assem- 
bly was read to the Committee, but was not accepted. The Sec- 
retaries were called upon to state by what authority they had ad- 
dressed any communications to the "Kensington Institute," the 
"Jefferson Library," or the "Washington Assembly," which 
being replied to, some severe observations were made by two of 
the Committee, which caused the resignation of one of the Secre- 
taries, Joseph Weed, who however, resumed his office at the unani- 
mous request of the Committee, the offensive observations having 
been retracted. The resignation of J. G. Ambler was also offered 
but not accepted. 

Mr. Rankin offered his resignation as a member of the Commit- 
tee, which was not accepted. 

On motion, Joseph B. Vandusen was elected to fill the vacancy 
in the Committee occasioned by the absence of Mr. Hay. 

Resolved, That if there are any other persons present intending 
to give evidence against the lecture, they be requested to come for- 
ward. No person appearing, it was 

Resolved, That the cause for the prosecution is now closed. 

Resolved, That the Rev. G. M. West, be permitted to commence 
his defence. 

After some discussion respecting the "Governing Resolution," 
it was 

Resolved, (but not unanimously,) That after hearing the defence 
of the Rev. G. M. West, the Committee shall decide as soon as 
convenient. The Rev. G. M. West records his protest against this 
Resolution, as being contrary to the " Governing Resolution." 
Mr. Ambler also protested to the same effect. The Rev. G. M. 
West then proceeded to state the four fundamental principles laid 
down in his lecture, which not being contradicted, he stated that 
he considered them to be both proved and admitted. 

Resolved, That we now adjourn to meet again at this place on 
Monday Evening, 15th inst., to hear the conclusion of the Rev. 
G. M. West's defence, and decide concerning it. 



J. G, Ambler, ? ^ ^ • 
Joseph Weed, 5 '^'"•'^^"'•*^*- 



Monday Evening, April I5th, 1839. 
The Committee met. The Chairman, Peter Rambo, Esq., being 
absent without assigning any reason, on motion, Mr. Salter was 
elected Chairman, by the Committee, pro tern. The member of 



70 

the Committee, Mr. Hay, who was absent from the preceding 
meeting, resumed his seat. On motion, Joseph B. Vandusen was 
elected by the audience to fill the vacancy occasioned by the ab- 
sence of the Chairman, Mr. Rambo. 

On motion, John Scott was also elected by the audience, to fill 
the vacancy occasioned by the absence of Mr. John M. Scott. 

The Committee being full, the proceedings of the last meeting 
were read and unanimously adopted. . 

A communication from the "Jefferson Library and Literary As- 
sociation," addressed to the secretaries of the committee, was pre- 
sented, but not accepted. 

Mr. J. W. Jones, an intelligent American gentleman, examined 
for defence. 

By Rev. G. M. West. — Were you present at the lecture? Ans. 
Yes. 

Have you heard the four fundamental principles of my lecture 
now read ? Ans. — Yes. 

Were tliose the principles assumed in my lecture delivered on 
the 8th ult.? Ans. — Yes. 

Did you hear me state that although I might quote passages from 
the writings of different authors, I did not hold myself accountable 
for their opinions, but referred the subject to a "committee of the 
whole house ?" Ans. — Yes. 

Do you believe the anonymous article in the " World" news- 
paper to be true ? — [Here the article was read,] — after which wit- 
ness said, that part was true and part false,' i. e. truth perverted 
hy falsehood. 

Did you hear me say that I brought over to this country $200,000 
for the benefit of literary institutions ? Ans. — You did not say you 
brought it. 

In my observations respecting Mrs. Sigourney, Washington Ir- 
ving, Cooper, &c., did you understand me to cast any reflection 
upon the writers of this country ? Ans. — I did not. 

Did you understand me to say that the natural wisdom of this 
country consisted in manufacturing wooden nutmegs, &c. &c.? — 
Ans. — No ; I did not understand you to mean any illiberal reflection. 

By the Committee. — Did not Mr. West say, the writings of 
Cooper, &c. were like an ounce of gold beaten out to cover an im- 
mense surface ? Ans. — I think not. 

Did you hear Mr. West say, he had done more for this country 
than any priest or politician in it ? Ans. — I understood him to say 
that he was willing to compare notes. 



71 

Did you hear Mr. West say, that this country would no longer 
be considered a common sewer for the outcasts of Europe ? An- 
swer not recorded, and forgotten by secretaries. 

Did you hear Mr. West say, that students graduating in our uni- 
versities were scarcely fit to enter colleges in Europe ? Ans. — No. 
I did not hear Mr. West say that marriages in this country would 
only be considered an American marriage? — Heard Mr. West read 
an extract from a newspaper respecting proceedings of the Alabama 
legislature, twenty-six divorces. 

Did you hear Mr. West say that the revolutionary war, was a 
contest amongst foreigners ? Ans. — Yes. 

Did you hear Mr. West cast any stigma on the public press of 
this country 1 Ans. — He read an extract from Mr. Webster on 
that subject. [The extract being again read, witness was asked 

whether it was the same which was quoted in the lecture ?] Jlns. 

Yes. 

Did he not decline expressing any opinion concerning his own 
deductions ? Jins. — Yes. 

Thomas Boyd examined. 

By Rev. G. 31. West. — Did you hear me say that I brought 
over to this country $200,000 ? Jlns. — No. Heard you say you 
only considered yourself responsible for the four fundamental prin- 
ciples. I believe the article in the " World" to be slander. Mr. 
West said that Irving, Cooper, Mrs. Sigourney, &lc. were some 
of the leading writers. 

By the Committee. — Did you hear Mr. West say that he had 
done more for this country than any priest or politician in it? 
Jlns. — He said he Avas willing to compare notes. 

The Rev. G. M. West offered the opinions of twenty -three per- 
sons, who heard his lecture, as evidence ; which was not accepted 
by the committee ; but any of the persons, whose names were at- 
tached to the paper, desirous of doing so, were requested to come 
forward. 

The names were called over — several were absent. 

Mr. Betts said the certificate was a correct expression of his 
opinions. 

Mr. Watson and H. Stinson testified to the same effect. 

In the course of his defence, the Rev. G. M. West stated, that 
no Englishman, Irishman, Scotchman, or any other, had either 

10 



72 

suggested or dictated to him any part of the matter delivered in the 
lecture referred to ; and, therefore, that the reference in the anony- 
mous attack, to " English parisites," was not only unkind but untrue. 
After which, he read the communication, above referred to, signed 
by twenty-three gentlemen, expressive of their opinion, and strong- 
ly disapproving of the attack in the " World" newspaper, and of 
the proceedings of certain persons in reference thereto — (see Doc. 
No. 8.) He also alluded to former attacks which had been made 
on him, and more particularly, vended by one reckless individual, 
now in prison, but who had made and signed a full confession of his 
guilt, and deeply regretting the injury he had inflicted on him whom 
he had so wantonly assailed — (see Doc. N. 9.) The Rev. G. M. 
West also wished the audience to bear in mind that, as "he had no- 
thing to recant, (in reference to his lecture,) so he recanted nothing; 
and after some more observations which went to convey that he 
considered the present only an additional link appended to the long 
chain of persecution by Avhich his sectarian opponents had fre- 
quently attempted to annoy him in his course of public duty." 

At the close, the following resolution, moved by Jos. B. Vandu- 
sen, was regularly put, passed, and signed by those members who 
had remained on the committee, and whose signatures are affixed 
thereto : — 

Trinity Church, April 15, 1839. 
Resolved, That the publication in the " World" newspaper of 
19th March, 1839, reflecting on a public lecture, delivered in this 
church on the 8th ult. and signed, " Anti-Foreign Humbug," has 
not been proven true by those who undertook to defend it. 

We, therefore, acquit the Rev. G. M. West of uttering those 
sentiments. 

Signed, 
J. B. Vandusen, J. G. Ambler, James Feeley, Samuel T. Hay, 
Christopher Hassell, Charles Gravatt, John Scott. 
Attest. J, G. Ambler, 



>.5 



T ,xr r Secretaries, 

Joseph Weed, 



Note. — It will be remarked that out of the number of twelve 
who were nominated as the investigating committee, three were 
absent when the resolution was passed, viz : Messrs. Droxey, Mar- 
tin and Stevens. The chairman, of course, not expressing any 
opinion, and Mr. Rankin voting in the negative. 



DOCUMENTS 



[Doc. No. 1.] 

Kensington, March 27th, 1839. 

A meeting of the citizens of Kensington and Northern Liberties, 
was held this day, in pursuance to notice given, at the Trinity 
Church, 

When Peter Rambo, Esq. olTered the resolution, which was 
unanimously adopted, That a committee of twelve be appointed, 
for the purpose of investigating the whole subject, and that no per- 
sons be placed upon the committee except those who were present 
and heard the lecture. 

On motion of Mr. Rankin, 

Ordered, That the committee consist of those only who are now 
present, and that the examination be conducted publicly. 

The following are the names of the committee the meeting was 
pleased to appoint. 

Messrs. Rankin, Rambo, Gravatt, Hassell, Salters, Droxey, 
Hay, Keeley, Stevens, Ambler, Martin, Scott. 

On motion. 

Resolved, That the committee hold its first meeting at this place 
on Monday evening next, at 7 o'clock. 
Adjourned, 



[Doc. No. 2.] 

" GOVERNING RESOLUTION." 

If there be any dissatisfaction existing on the subject of my late 
♦' Lecture," delivered in this church by request, before the mem- 
bers of the "Kensington Institute," "The Jeflerson Library and 
Literary Association," and the " Washington Assembly," I hereby 
propose that an impartial committee, under proper regulations^ 
be appointed by this congregation, before whom the address or 



74 

lecture was delivered, to hear and examine into the real merits of 
the case, and after hearing all the facts of the case, then and there, 
deliver their written verdict accordingly, which shall be considered 
final — each point to be pronounced upon in consecutive order ; and 
should the said committee unanimously decide that the lecture 
referred to contained any thing untrue and disrespectful to the con- 
stitution, government and laws of these United States, so far as my 
own sentiments are expressed therein, I hereby hold myself pledg- 
ed, publicly to acknowledge my error, and apologise for the same ; 
on condition, that my opponents shall do the same ; provided they 
cannot substantiate their printed allegations. Should the principle 
of this committee not be admitted on the present occasion, I shall 
take for granted, that the said "lecture" is approved of by you, 
and that the opposition has originated among a few enemies, whose 
sentiments, as published in a certain anonymous article in the 
" World" newspaper of the 19th inst., are both disapproved and 
condemned by this assembly. 

G. M. WEST. 

The above was read by me this 27th day of March, 1839, pub- 
licly, in Trinity Church. 

JOHN H. LABBREE. 

. C James Smyth, 

^iNicHOLAS Hare. 

Passed unanimously, and a committee of twelve immediately 
nominated by the parties themselves. 

Re-passed unanimously, on the 1st of April, in Trinity Church, 
by the committee. 

PETER RAMBO, Chairman. 

Attest. J. G. Ambler, 



Joseph Weed, 



Secretaries. 



[Doc, No. 3.] 

Copied literally from «' The World," March 19, 1839. 
Mr. Editor : — I should not trouble the public with any remarks 
on the Rev. Geo. W. West's Lecture, delivered before the Penn- 
sylvania Institue, were it not an insult added to that or rather those 
contained in his address, called on to deliver an address with liberty 
to choose his own subject. The Association was pleased when the 



75 

title of his address was made known, viz: Tlie true principles of 
American Greatness. But how sadly Avere they disappointed on 
hearing the institutions of their country scandalised by this gotisti- 
cal foreigner,* who it seems sought this occasion to insult all who 
were convened to hear him except his English paracites. After a 
few preliminary remarks, as he was pleased to term them, he took 
the liberty, as he said, of presenting his subject in the form of an 
allegory, in which he supposed Wisdom and Prudence contending 
for a national monument. The Rev. Lecturer, acting as counsellor 
for both. In presenting the claims of Wisdom, the orator got along 
tolerably well, but when he came to present the claims of Prudence 
he took occasion to ridicule our common country and its institutions; 
and for the benefit of those who were not there, or rather that the 
public may not be misled by the publication signed Philanthropos, 
we wish through the same channel to express the universal indig- 
nation he excited among those who heard it. 

We now proceed to consider some of the inuendoes put forth by 
the orator whUe presenting the claims of Prudence. But you must 
not forget that he very modestly declined expressing an opinion or 
any on his own deductions. Foreigners. He stated that our coun- 
trymen should deal kindly and courteously with foreigners. That 
then the better part of society in Europe would be induced to 
come over here ; and would have a great tendency to reform the 



• To what has been said respecting "foreigners," p. 40, &c., it may 
here be added that, to " foreigners" we are indebted for " the Holy Scrip- 
tures," professedly the foundation of our laws, and also for what is em- 
phatically called " the glorious Reformation" — the Patriarchs — the Elijahs 
—the Isaiahs— the Jeremiahs— JESUS CHRIST— the Holy Apostles-the 
rrimitive Fathers— Wickliffe — Luther — Calvin, &,c. &c. were '• Foreigx- 
ERs." Can my opponents boast of any native so illustrious'' Is it then 
any disgrace to be a foreigner ? Would to God, for their own sakes, that 
the temper and spirit, now exhibited by my opponents, were not equally 
"foreign" to the principles of the above named "roRUiGNEns." There 
may, indeed, occasionally be found a renegade foreigner — " a reed shaken 
with the wind" — a paltry, superficial "foreigner," who for sinister pur- 
poses, would speak against, or even sell his country; but if sucii can be 
found, whether he be clergyman, lawyer, doctor, or vile layman, let the 
community thunder in his ears, that none but " An ill bird fouls Us own 
nest," while, it is unnecessary to add, that he cannot be depended on by 
any party. 



76 

present society of this country ! That America would no longer 
be considered the common sewer of the offcast of Europe Educa- 
tion ! He advocated attention to profound literature, hitherto so 
much neglected in this country ; instanced the scarcity of writers 
by mentioning only the names of Cooper, Irving and Mrs. Sigour- 
ney, as those only who had attracted attention. Cooper as a clev- 
er novelist ; Irving as good at light articles, and Mrs. Sigourney as 
a poet of tolerable abilities. 

He stated that men who graduated at our universities, Avere but 
fit to enter College in Europe. Religion — A.11 the different sects 
in this country were but slips of the Episcopal Church established 
by law in England, except the Universalists, who he believed had 
their origin in this country. He said that there was not a college 
or public institution of note in this country but had been the object 
of European benevolence ! — That he himself brought over to this 
country $200,000, for the benefit of literary institutions. 

That he had done more for this country than any Bishop, Priest 
or politician in it. AVar — He stated that the Revolution was a 
contest among foreigners, and intimated that the present generation 
has nothing to do with that, their feeling ought not to be excited on 
that account. 

Recommended a reformation of several existing laws, on mar- 
riage, imprisonment for debt, said that the frequency of divorces 
would subject that institution as performed in this country to the 
scorn of Europeans, they would say that it was only an American 
marrriage. The Rev. D. D. forgot, I presume, that halters are 
sometimes put on wives in England, and that they are then sold by 
their husbands, the laws of the country not preventing it.* He har- 
ped considerably on the licentiousness of the press in this country, 
political and religious, the latter, if possible, more venal than the 
former, and took occasion to justify himself from some attack made 
on him by the Episcopal press, and stated that they refused him 
their columns to refute the slander they had heaped on him. I 
have given you but a brief statement of the principal points in this 



* V,\tYy educated Englishman knows that this is gross slander. There 
is no English law in existence to sanction the practice, but a late number 
of the " World" will show that such practices in violation of all law, are 
sometimes resorted to in this country also, and with flagrant aggravations. 



77 

insulting address. This statement was submitted; was read before 
a large number of young men who were present on that occasion 
and acknowledged to be correct. The Rev. Sir wishes to repeat 
the insult ; but there is too much American spirit in those who 
heard him to listen or countenance him in any shape or form. We 
would merely mention for the information of the public in general, 
and our eastern brethren in particular, that he said that the natural 
wisdom of this country consisted in manufacturing wooden nut- 
megs, horn flints, wooden hams, &c. 

Anti-Foreign Humbug. 



[Doc. No. 4.] 

The undersigned believe the statement in "The World," signed 
*' Anti-Foreign Humbug," which purports to be a report of the 
principal points of the Rev. G. M. West's lecture delivered before 
the Kensington Literary Institute, in Trinity Church, to be sub- 
stantially correct. 
Signed, 

William Kenney, William M. Parham, J. Grant, Joseph M. 
Rohrman, A. R. Lukens, T. Kinsey, .T. S. Langer, Wm. 
Robson, Daniel M. Fox, A. T. Montgomery, William H. 
Davis, George G. Stambach, B. Thackara, George Burr. 



[Doc No. 5.] 

See "The World," March 14, 1839. 

Mr. Editor, — In pursuance of the public notice in your univer- 
sal newspaper, I attended the " Lecture" on the 8th inst. by " the 
Rev. George Montgomery West, D. D., in the Church of " The 
Holy Trinity," of which he is Pastor. The subject was " the 
true principles of American greatness;" and I say in truth that 
I never was more edified on any public occasion. The Church, a 
beautiful, chaste, and commodious edifice, well adapted both for 
speaking and hearing, was completely filled by a most respectable 
audience, including the three public bodies to whom " the ora- 
tion" was addressed, viz : " the Washington Assembly" — " the 
Jefferson Literary Association" and " the Kensington Institute." 

The vocal and instrumental musical performance was Jirst rate. 



78 

The matter was principally conveyed in the style of "allegory," 
representing na/ionaZ ^^ wisdom'''' and ^^ prudence " as two lovely 
female rival-candidates for fame, preferring their respective claims 
before the American public, for a splendid national " Monument," 
not as an idle, empty compliment, but in return for solid national 
benefits conferred. The plan was novel, original and most happi- 
ly conceived. The facts startling relative to the reformation pro- 
posed by " Prudence" respecting natives, foreigners, education, 
Religion, war, the laws, and the Executive departments of the coun- 
try, the whole as stated being the result of fifteen years' gleaning 
on the subject. The Lecturer bringing forward in " bold relief" 
the various points both of national boast, and national complaint, 
exactly stating in logical and consecutive order, as counsel for both 
sides, the real merits and ultimate bearings of the case, and mo- 
destly declining to give any opinion of his own, but judiciously 
referring the decision of the points at issue to a " Committee of 
the Whole House." One feeling of approbation seemed to per- 
vade the entire concourse. The delivery was admirable — " on his 
words attention hung suspended," and on coming out, the crowd 
seemed unanimous in the opinion that this is the true method of 
enlightening the public mind on subjects of national importance 
— many will be gratified to know that a particular request has 
been made to have the Lecture repeated. 

Philanthropos. 



{Doc. No. 6.] 

Kensington, March 21st, 1839. 
Gentlemen, 

I regret to hear, even from private, individual, or anonymous 
sources, that the Lecture which by request I had the honor to de- 
liver before you in Trinity Church, on the 8th inst., has by some 
been either misunderstood or misconstrued. 

As public bodies, I beg to assure you of my high consideration 
and esteem, in proof of which I am perfectly willing, in the inte- 
rim of publication, to meet you in your collective capacity, at any 
time and place which may be mutually agreed on, for the purpose 
of giving such explanations as may be deemed necessary by you ; 
a course which by intelligent gentlemen, I cannot doubt, will be 
thought sufficiently courteous and reasonable, it being difficult if 



79 

indeed at all incumbent, to reply to individual or ex-parte allega- 
tions, 

I remain gentlemen, 

Very respectfully, &c. 

G. M. WEST. 
To the Members of the Kensington Institute, the Jefferson 
Library, and the Washington Assembly. 



IDoc. No. 7.] 

Sir— 

As the appointed Secretaries to the Committee nominated by a 
unanimous vote in reference to the investigation now pending in 
Trinity Church, relative to the Rev. Geo. M. West's lecture, we 
beg respectfully, as requested by you, to send you herewith a copy 
of the " governing resolution," that the same may be publicly read 
at your next meeting, for the purpose of showing that no separate 
action can be consistently taken on the subject, inasmuch as the 
decision in Trinity Church is by that resolution to be considered 
final. 

We are. Sir, yours, most respectfully, 

J. G. Ambl: 

To Peter Rambo, Esq. Joseph Weed, 



^'^'^' I Secretaries. 

EEI», 3 



[Doc. No. 8.] 

Kensington, April 6th, 1839. 

The Rev. George Montgomery West, D. D. 
Dear Sir, 

It is with much pleasure I beg leave to hand you the enclosed 
Document, on behalf of myself and fellow signers thereto, believing 
as Ave firmly do, that an attempt is made to stifle freedom of dis- 
cussion by tribunals, unauthorized by law or justice, and inquisi- 
torial in tendency, which if once allowed, all the boasted liberty 
of this republican country, will evaporate into thin air, and be but as 
a dream that is passed. 

As a more honest and consistent course, we would recommend 
our dissentient fellow citizens to reply to your Lecture by thejocn, 
showing wherein you have slandered the American Nation, or its 

11 



8Q 

Institutions. We particularly object, to the term made use of by 
your opponents " English Parasites." We would respectfully 
ask where they are to be found ? as a parasite is one that frequents 
rich men's tables and earns his welcome by flattery, we indignant- 
ly reject the term, and throw it back, as worthy only the quarter 
from whence it came. We believe that the natives of England 
are celebrated for a plain bluntness of speech, regardless of conse- 
quences, and totally un-parasitical in their demeanor to others. 
I am sir, on behalf of my fellows, 

Respectfully yours, 

JAMES BETTS. 

•' The following are the fundamental principles, assumed and re- 
commended in the lecture delivered in this Church on the evening 
of March 8lh, 1839, by the Rev. G. M. West, D. D. taken down 
at the time, and since acknowledged to be correct, viz ; 

First. The most sincere and deferential submission and obedience 
to the Constitution, Government, and Laws of these United States 
in opposition to all violence and Lynch-law so called. 

Second. The extension and deepening of sound education and 
solid erudition, in order to enable us to cope with the most learned 
and popular authors in Europe. 

Third. The cultivation of the respect, esteem, and veneration of 
the better order of foreigners, of all nations, more particulaily those 
of the British dominions, if only to induce a more wealthy and de- 
serving class of emigrants to settle among us. 

Fourth and finally. To promote by respectful and dutiful petition 
to the proper quarter, the amending, reforming, or repealing of 
certain obnoxious laws, customs and usages, together with the 
reformation and union of churches, sects, parties and societies, 
on the general principle laid down in the Constitution. 

For the foregoing fundamental principles only, the Lecturer dis- 
tinctly stated several times, that he considered himself individually 
responsible, but in reference to the views and opinions of others, 
which might be quoted by him, to illustrate the foregoing princi- 
ples, in the course of the address, he did not hold himself account- 
able, but referred all such, to the decision or judgment of ' a Com- 
mittee of the Whole House.' 

The foregoing being the acknowledged fundamental principles 



81 

of the Lecturer, we as citizens and admirers of a free country, 
are of the opinion that they not only contain nothing unsound, or 
objectionable, but that they do in reality, embrace " the True 
Principles of American Greatness." And the man who publicly 
proclaims such wholesome truths, deserves both the respect, and 
support of the community, while it would be strange indeed, if in 
our country, whose avowed Constitution guarantees to every man 
" Freedom of Speech," the expression of such sentiments, should 
be either restrained or called in question, or that merely quoting 
the opinions of others should be judged a crime. Our best friends 
are frequently those who notice our errors with a view to do us 
good. The country is cursed with too many, who flatter our pre- 
judices, only to promote their own private ends, and " whose 
praise is censure." Upon the whole we hesitate not, to pronounce 
the anonymous attack, published in the " World" newspaper of 
the 19th ult. and now the subject of investigation, to be through- 
out a tissue of falsehood, slander, or vile misrepresentation, and as 
we believe, an abortive attempt, to injure the reputation of one of 
our most talented, popular and deserving public characters, and a 
faithful minister of the gospel, and we cannot doubt that the com- 
munity in general will esteem it, as disreputable only, to its miser- 
able fabricators. 

We also respectfully, but firmly protest against the premature 
and stormy proceedings of certain prejudiced members of the 
" Kensington Institute" and " Jefferson Literary Association," 
pending the examination relating to the Lecture in question, by a 
professedly impartial committee, the Chairman of which is also 
President of the aforesaid Institute, and Avho is, we understand 
(much to his honor,) opposed to the persecuting measures attempt- 
ed to be carried by force, and grounded solely on ex-parte and con- 
tradictory testimony. 
Signed, 

James Smyth, James Betts, Nicholas Hare, AVilliam M'Kee, 
Thomas Storrie, William Watson, William Wilson, David 
Stinson, Hugh Stinson, James Stewart, James Paul, Sam- 
uel Ramsey, Charles Ramsey, James Ramsey, Ebenezer 
Mills, Alexander Purdon, James M'Clean, Wm. Lockhart, 
Hugh Moss, Thomas Boyd, Robert Balantine, James Bell, 
Stewart Dickson. 



82 

[Doc. No. 9.]— See page 72. 

" I now, once for all, distinctly and, as I shall answer to Almighty 
God for the truth, state, that I, Edward Watson, do not now, and 
never did know any thing derogatory to the character of the Rev. 
George Montgomery West, either as a clergyman or a gentleman. 

EDWARD WATSON. 
"We hereby certify, that we witnessed the signing of the above 
by Edward Watson, 

WM. J. CRANS, 
WM. SHARP. 
" Moyamensing Prison, March 18, 1839." 

N.B. — The individual who made the foregoing " confession," had 
been induced to put himself forward as a most reckless and wholesale 
accuser, had been openly patronised by more than one clergyman, 
who were the avowed opponents of the accused — and a numerous 
party of their pious partisans, who, when he was arrested and 
" held to bail in the amount of five thousand dollars," then raised 
the cry of "persecution," commenced a subscription for the "«n- 
nocenV^ from house to house, confidently asserted that he was able 
to prove all his allegations, and continued to make the most of this 
precious opportunity, and to persevere in their " labors of love," 
until the above voluntary confession put a final " extinguisher" on 
their hopes and expectations. 

ICP^Here end the "Minutes" and the documents referred to 
therein. 



We have compared the "Minutes" of the proceedings in Trinity 

Church relative to the address delivered by the Rev. G. M. West, 

on the 8th of March, 1839, and pronounce the " Pkinte.d Proof," 

as now corrected, to be the genuine proceedings recorded by us. 

J. G. Amblkr, > o , . 
May m, 1839. Joseph Weed, 5 ^'(^^'f^ries. 



$CT° Any reader of the foregoing " minutes" may easily per- 
ceive, that there is abundant room for the most severe comments, 
but it would not be delicate to anticipate the decision of enlightened 
minds, and therefore comment is purposely omitted. 



83 

Addenda A. — See page 15. 

From the " Public Ledger," Feb. 22, 1839. 

"INFIDELITY vs. CHRISTIANITY.— 7^0 TBE CLER- 
G V OF PHILADE LP HM.— Gentlemen— ks the professed ser- 
vants of Jesus, the writer calls on you publicly and honorably to 
defend the three vital principles of your Religion : Inspiration, 
Prophecy and Miracle. You need not be reminded of your respon- 
sibility as teachers. The writer is prepared successfully to attack 
Christianity on these points, or publicly to yield himself to the 
force of truth, when it shall be manifest. 

" P. S. Should you refuse, I shall call on Dr. Sleigh to defend 
what you are either unwilling or unable to undertake. giCPA line 
addressed to me and left in the Post Office, by Tuesday evening, 
will receive due attention. R. CANFIELD." 

" The foregoing challenge, which appeared in this paper of the 
3d inst., not having been acceded to, the challenger, in company 
with another gendeman, proceeded personally to wait on the Rev. 
George Montgomery West, Rector of " Trinity Church, Kensino-- 
ton," and it appears from the subjoined note, succeeded in having 
his challenge accepted, although the day is not yet fixed for com- 
mencing this all-important discussion. 

''Philadelphia, Feb. 19, 1838. 
" My Dear Sir: — I have considered Mr. Canfield's bold and most ex- 
traordinary challenge, both to myself personally, in your presence, 
and to the clergy in general, and beg to inform him, through you, 
that it is my intention, with God's assistance, humbly to attempt 
the defence of Christianity, "on these points," which he informs 
me and the world he is "-prepared successfully to attack,'''' and 
that publicly in my own Church, as soon as possible after the Con- 
cert of sacred music, which had been previously announced. 

" The Infidel's objections on the points at issue I trust shall be 
patiendy heard and replied to, either then or on the ensuing even- 
ings of discussion, which shall be once in each week, so long as 
the case may seem to require; subject, however, to the understand- 
ing that nothing irreverent, in language or conduct, can be tole- 
rated in the church. 

" I remain, dear sir, respectfully, yours, &c. 

"G. M. WEST. 
" Pastor of Trinity Church, Kensington. 
" To Dr. Brown, &c., &c. 



84 

" This note 1 received on the 19th inst., from the Rev. G. M. 
West, which was read in presence of Mr. Canfield, who agreed to 
its contents. 

THOS. BROWN, M. D. 

From the " Public Ledger," March, 22, 1838. 
" CHRISTIANITY vs. INFIDELITY. 

" Kensington, March 21, 1838. 
"To the Rev. G. M. West, D. D. 

"Rev'd Sir — As the Chairman who presided at the discussion 
which has taken place between Mr. Canfield and yourself, I feel 
it to be my duty to hand you the original requisition addressed to 
me by the meeting of last evening, to propose the enclosed resolu- 
tions, and take the vote of those present on their passage. It is 
most gratifying to me to observe the majority of signatures attached 
thereto are those of persons belonging to no particular creed of Chris- 
tianity, and but two or three alone are regular attendants on your 
ministry. I believe none are identified with any particular church. 

" Upon motion duly made and seconded, that the resolutions ex- 
pressive of the sense of the meeting be put from the chair, there 
were only eight against their proposition. 

" And both the resolutions thereupon being so put by the chair, 
(separately,) were also both unanimously carried; and I feel 
assured they convey most fully and impartially the sense of the 
meeting. 

" I am, Rev'd Sir, your most ob't serv't, 

"RICHARD CHAPMAN, M.D. 

" Mr. Chairman — The following copy of Resolutions which, it 
is presumed, embrace the sentiments of the audience generally, are 
hereby presented to you by deputation, to be proposed to the meet- 
ing, and carried in the usual way : 

' Resolved, That Mr. Canfield, the advocate of infidelity , having 
utterly failed to maintain any one position assumed in his public 
challenge, although most abundant advantages and opportunities 
were afforded him during die present discussion, it is the opinion of 
this meeting that the debate should close from this evening. 

^Resolved, That the Rev. George Montgomery West has main- 
tained the credit and truth of the Christian Religion, by arguments 
and evidence which remain unshaken by any thing which Infideli- 



85 

ty has advanced, and which clearly support the claims of the Chris- 
tian religion to the belief and obedience of mankind.' 

"James D. Casey, Charles Wignall, James H. Bray, Howell 
Powell, John Tobyn, William Bennett, Richard Weyre, 
Albert T. Eggleton, William Bennett, Jr., Jno. Beamish, 
John Dolby, Jr., Arthur Beamish, Samuel Wyatt, John 
Holt, Henry Shermer, Jacob Hill, Robert Green, James 
Harper, Alfred Foster. 

From the " Public Ledg-er," March 23, 1838. 
"ICT'The Challengers CHALLENGED.— If Infidelity be 
not yet satisfied to retire into the chaos of its own oblivion, and 
permit Christian ministers to pursue their calling unmolested in 
future, the writer hereby informs its votaries that he holds himself 
prepared (Deo volente,) to exhibit such strength of evidence in fa- 
vor of the existence of Deity and the divine authenticity, "Inspi- 
ration, Prophecies and Miracles" of the Holy Scriptures, as he noiv 
Challenges all the professors of Infidelity in the United States, 
in "Grand Convention" assembled, or their representatives, to 
overturn. GEORGE MONTGOMERY WEST. 

"Pastor of Trinity Church, Kensington."* 
Note. — Mr. Canfield was emphatically styled the " High Priest 
of Infidelity." 



Addenda B. — See page 15. 

"In pursuance of public notice a very large and respectable as- 
semblage in the Commissioner's Hall, Southwark, Philadelphia, 
was addressed last Tuesday evening by the Rev. G. M. West. 
The address, including the reading of documents (these were not 
read by himself,) lasted about three hours, and was heard through- 
out with the most marked attention ; at the close of which Samuel 
Black, Esq., one of our county Magistrates, rose and moved the 
following resolution, which was immediately seconded by a num- 
ber of voices and passed fnanimously, after being twice put to the 
meeting, viz. — 

^'^ Resolved, That we have heard this evening a calm, dispassion- 
ate, and triumphant reply to the slanders published against the Rev. 
George Montgomery West — That the authorities referred to — the 



• This challenge has not yet been accepted. 



86 

communications from abroad — the printed reports of the American 
Committees and the Board of Trustees — the Treasurer's receipt 
for ALL the money collected for Ohio through the agency of the Rev. 
G. M. West — and the high testimonials of which he is the bearer, 
are perfectly sufficient to convince all who will take the trouble 
to read, to think, and otherwise inform themselves on the subject, 
of the pure conscience which the Rev. G. M. West possesses — of 
the pure character which he deserves, that he is every way worthy 
the confidence, support and protection of the American public — 
and finally, that we rejoice to hear it announced, that an American 
edition of his publications, and the views of others on this contro- 
versy, and read from the catalogue this evening, is about to be pub- 
lished, that every man may read and judge for himself." — See 
Philadelphia Commercial Herald. 



Addenda C. — See page 17. 

" Concerning Mr. West, I have received the most satisfactory 
testimonials from our most attached friends. Lord Kenyon and Lord 
Gambler, and from those of whom I cannot think too highly, for 
the good they have done us, George Wharton Marriott, Esq. B.C.L. 
of London. His abilities and pious qualifications to this end, are 
certified me by names and recommendations f7vm clergymen and 
others of the highest standing in the Church of England, too nu- 
merous to mention." — Bishop of Ohio to the Convention in 1827. 

" The Rev. G. M. West has preached and performed Divine 
service in the churches of Mount Vernon, Delaware, Worthington, 
and Columbus ; his eloquent delivery, the purity and richness of 
his language, the originality and force of his arguments, together 
■with his peculiarly expressive method of explaining the Holy 
Scriptures, and of applying his discourses to all orders of his hear- 
ers, has left a deep and lasting impression on many here." — See 
Philadelphia Episcopal Recorder, 8th June, 1827. 

To OUR WELL BELOVED IN ChRIST, WHERESOEVER WE, THE UN- 
DERSIGNED SEND, GREETING : 

" Whereas, The Rev. George Montgomery West, Master of 
Arts, Chaplain to the Right Reverend Father in God, Philander 
Chase, Doctor of Divinity, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 



-;.. 



87 

Church of tlie diocese and in the State of Ohio, North America, 
and President of the Classical and Theological University, situate 
within the town of Ganibier, parish of Harcourt, Knox county, in 
the same diocese and State of Ohio, lately arrived in England, on 
a Mission relating to the erection of Churches and other Ecclesias- 
tical matters, connected with the said University, and the town of 
Oambier aforesaid ; And whereas, the said George Montgomery 
West, having brought wiUi him his letters of Holy Orders, of Dea- 
con and Priest, and other authentic testimonials, concerning his 
character, office, and mission, was received and accredited by His 
Grace, the Right Honorable and Most Reverend Charles Manners 
Sutton, D. D., late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and Primate of 
all England, &c. &c., and by the Honorable and Most Reverend Ed- 
ward Venables Vernon, Doctor of Civil Law, Lord Archbishop of 
York, and Primate of England, &c. &;c. ; by the Honorable and 
Right Reverend William Howley, Doctor of Divinity, late Lord 
Bishop of London, but now Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
Primate of all England, &c. &c. ; by the Right Reverend Thomas 
Burgess, Doctor of Divinity, Fellow of the Royal Society, Fellow 
of the Antiquarian Society, President of the Royal Society of Lite- 
rature, Lord Bishop of Salisbury, &c. &c. ; the Right Reverend 
George Henry Law, Doctor of Divinity, Lord Bishop of Bath and 
Wells, &c. &c. ; by the Right Reverend Charles James Blomfield, 
Doctor of Divinity, late Lord Bishop of Chester, but now Lord 
Bishop of London, &c. &:c.; and by the Right Honorable Lord 
Kenyon, the Right Honorable Lord gambler, the Right Honorable 
Lord Bexley, and other distinguished Prelates and Noblemen; as 
by several testimonials in writing under the hands of the said Pre- 
lates and noblemen respectively, now in the possession of the 
said George Montgomery West, reference being thereunto made, 
will fully appear. 

And Whereas, The said George Montgomery West, in further- 
ance of his said mission, subsequently arrived in Ireland, and was 
received and accredited by His Grace, the Rt. Honorable and Most 
Reverend Lord John George Beresford, Doctor of Divinity, Lord 
Archbishop of Armagh, Primate and Metropolitan of all Ireland, 
Prelate of the illustrious Order of St. Patrick, &c. &c. ; by his 
Grace the Most Reverend Father in God, William Magee, Doctor 
of Divinity, Lord Archbishop of Dublin, Primate of Ireland, Bish- 

12 



88 

op of Glendalag, and Chancellor of the illustrious Order of St. Pat- 
rick, &c. &c. ; by his Grace the Right Honorable and Most Rev- 
erend Father in God, Richard Lawrence, Doctor of Civil Law, 
Lord Archbishop of Cashel, Primate and Metropolitan of Munster, 
and Bishop of Emly, &c. &c. ; and by his Grace the Most Reve- 
rend Father in God, Power Le Poer Trench, Doctor of Divinity, 
Lord Archbishop of Tuam, Primate and Metropolitan of Connaught, 
and Bishop of Ardagh, &c. &c. ; being all the Archbishops of 
Ireland. By the Right Reverend Father in God, Nathaniel Alex- 
ander, Doctor of Divinity, Lordbishop of Meath, (fee. &c. ; the 
Right Honorable and Right Reverend Father in God, Lord Robert 
Tottenham, Doctor of Divinity, Lordbishop of Clogher, &c. &c. 
the Honorable and Right Reverend Father in God, Thomas Saint 
Lawrence, Doctor of Divinity, Lordbishop of Cork and Ross, &c. 
&c.; the Right Reverend Father in God, Richard Mant, Doctor of 
Divinity, Lordbishop of Down and Connor, &c. &c.; the Right 
Reverend Father in God, James Saurin, Doctor of Divinity, Lord, 
bishop of Dromore, &c. Sic; the Right Reverend Father in God, 
John Leslie, Doctor of Divinity, Lordbishop of Elphin, &c. &,c.; 
the Right Reverend Father in God, Thomas Elrington, Doctor of 
Divinity, Lordbishop of Ferns and T-eighlin, &;c. &c.; the Right 
Reverend Father in God, Richard Ponsonby, Doctor of Divinity, 
Lordbishop of Killaloe and Kilfenora, &c. &c.; the Right Reverend 
Father in God, George De Le Poer Beresford, Doctor of Divinity, 
Lordbishop of Kilmore, &c. &c.; the Right Reverend Father in 
God, William Bissett, Doctoi; of Divinity, Lordbishop of Raphoe, 
&c. &c.; the Honorable and Right Reverend Father in God, Rich- 
ard Bourke, Doctor of Divinity, Lordbishop of Waterford &,c. &c. 
and other distinguislied personages. 

And Whereas, by virtue of his letters of Holy Orders of Deacon 
and Priest, and under title of other clerical and literary prefer- 
ments olMained by the said George Montgomery West, and by vir- 
tue of the licences respectively of the Prelates before named of the 
Church bylaw established in these realms: the said George Mont- 
gomery West hath preached and performed the offices of a priest 
in the Collegiate and Cathedral Church of St. Patrick, Dublin, the 
Cathedral Chureli of Cashel, the Cathedral Church of Limerick, 
the Cathedral Church of W aterford, the Cathedral Church of Lis- 
more, the Cathedral Church of Elphin, the Cathedral Church of 



89 

Londonderry, and divers other consecrated buildings ; and whereas, 
the said George Montgomery West, in pursuance of his said eccle- 
siastical mission, is desirous of proceeding to other parts, and we 
being desirous of promoting to the utmost of our power the great 
and laudable work in Avhich he is engaged, have thought proper to 
make known the same. 

Now, Know all men by these presents, that AVe, the undersign- 
ed, do recommend to all prelates, clergy, and other influential per- 
sons in all parts of his majesty's dominions, and throughout the 
world, the said George Montgomery West, as a regularly ordained 
Clergyman, of sound faith, competent learning and piety of life, 
and as a gentleman fully qualified to exercise the functions of the 
clerical office, and perform all the duties connected therewith. 
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto subscribed and set our 

hands and seals, this 29th day of September, in the year of our 

Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight. 

[[Here follow the corporate and other seals, &c., and the whole 
certified by the signatures of William Richardson, Esq. his majes- 
ty's P. of Office, and the Rev. Sir Harcourt Lees, Bart.] 

We CERTIFY that the foregoing " Official and Ecclesiastical recom- 
mendation of the Rev. George Montgomery West," is copied 
from the original parchment. 

J. G. Ambler, 
Joseph Weed. 



From the "Public I.edg-er," May 1, 1839. 

" New Orders. — Not any of your flimsy, musty, ideal, fanciful 
' orders^ of foreign nobility, such as The Order of the Legion of 
Honor, The Royal Order of the Bath, The Order of the Star and 
Garter, &c., &c., but sound American Orders, first rate, viz. — The 
Order of fAe Blue-eyed Maid, and The Order o{ the Lovely Rival; 
titles which, it must be admitted, are not less euphonious, poetic 
or captivating than those of foreign manufacture. 

" These ' orders,' it seems, in all their mature loveliness, have 
been born in Kensington, and surprised the people there almost as 
much as Minerva must have done when she sprang from the brains 
of Jupiter ' a goddess armed !' They have taken their rise, I am 
informed, from ' An Allegorical Lecture,' or ' Address,' lately de- 
livered before three public bodies, by the Rev. G. M. West, enti- 



90 

tied ' The True Principles of Jlmerican Greatness,'' now in the 
course of publication. 

"In the lecture, 'Wisdom' personified, or as Homer poetically 
styles her, ' The Blue-eyed Maid,' is represented as preferring 
pompous claims on the American people for the erection of a splen- 
did National Monument to perpetuate her fame, on account of not 
only originally having procured for them this fine country, but also 
as she alleges, having made this the greatest nation in the world, 
and, in fact, having done all that has been done for and in it ; aver- 
ing that every thing is so perfect and complete as neither to admit 
nor require any alteration, change or amendment whatever ; her 
motto is, 'Things as they are!' 

" ' The Lovely Rival,' is the assumed name for ' Prudence,' who 
states her objections to the pompous pretensions of 'The Blue- 
eyed Maid,' and her motto is, ' Things as they should be !' and she 
advocates a different course of policy, viz. that of peace, good will 
towards foreigners, and the necessity of reform, as to certain exist- 
ing laws and usages, and more especially as to churches, sects and 
erudition — contending for the constitution, the whole constitution, 
and nothing but the constitution, which, if rightly understood and 
acted upon, implies all that is essential. I am informed that a 
' Union Society' has already been organized, and that seventeen 
gentlemen have been admitted into and invested with the dignity 
of the ' Order of Prudence,' or ' The Lovely Rival.'' 

" Should these two 'orders' hereafter designate the leading par- 
ties of the nation, the name of Kensington may become so cele- 
brated as to have the scripture proverb applied to it, viz: 'This 
or that man Was born there,' or, ' Can any thing good come out of 
Nazareth?'" . - -. u-,^^. 

As it is said that the number who noW espouse the principles of 
the "Lovely Rival," amount already to ahout forty, it may be sup- 
posed that these two "orders" are now fairly in operation. The 
opponents of the Lecture, of course have virtually taken their sta- 
tion under the flaming colors of "The Blue-eyed Maid," and 
consequently stand pledged to her motto, viz : " Things as they 
are;" while the disciples of "the Lovely Rival," will find her 
principles, and consequently their creed, in her four "golden 
mixitns," p. 21 ; her objections to the arguments and pretensions 
of her opponent, pp. 33 to 51, and the different course of policy 



91 

suggested by her on pp. 52-64. They of course, retain possession 
of " The Star Spangled Banner of Liberty," which is, in fact, 
the Constitution, the whole Constitution, and nothing but the Con- 
stitution, while every system of " Reform" founded thereon, will 
be another "star," of the 1st, 2d, or 3d magnitude, superadded 
or discovered in the galaxy of its splendor. 

It is difficult to predict the comparative numerical strength of 
the respective parties, or the inestimable national benefits which 
must necessarily follow from a judicious and steady perseverance in 
this plan. The following is 

The Constitution of 
THE ORDER OF THE LOVELY RIVAL. 

Article I. This association shall hereafter be known by the 
name, style, title, and designation of "The Order of the Lovely 
Rival." 

Art. II. All the members of this Order shall be considered 
pledged to advocate the reformation recommended by the Lovely 
Rival in this publication, more particularly the four fundamental 
principles, on pp. 12 and 13, see same. 

Art. III. Every member of this Order shall pay an '^'^ admission 
fee''' of one dollar, in lieu of which, he shall be presented with a 
copy of this publication, be invested with the dignity and Order of 
"The Lovely Rival," be registered as a life member of the Insti- 
tution, and be entided to all the privileges and advantages of the 
same without any additional expense, save and except his monthly 
dues of twenty-five cents. 

Art. IV. As soon as funds are accumulated, there shall be 
a Library and Reading Room under such regulations as may be 
agreed on, but no meetings of the "Order," shall be held on the 
Sabbath day. 

Art. V. As the Constitution, Government, and Laws of these 
United States are professedly based upon the " Holy Scriptures," 
a splendid copy of the BIBLE shall commence the Library, and 
always be the grand standard of appeal. Each and every law of 
the United States shall be read — studied and compared with the 
Same, and any law, custom, or usage which may be decided by two- 
tkirds of all the members at a regular meeting to be at variance 
with the Laws of God, shall he considered a proper subject of 



92 

" Reform," which, in every case, must only be sought by respect- 
ful petition to the proper quarter. 

Art. VI. The by-laws shall provide for whatever has not been 
anticipated in the foregoing " Articles," but no by-law shall in any 
case be made to subvert, contradict, or oppose this " Constitu- 
tion," or the CONSTITUTION of these United States. 



CATALOGUE OF PUBLICATIONS, 

BY AND IN REFERENCE TO THE 

REV. GEORGE MONTGOMERY WEST, D. D. 

The principal of which may be had in one volume neatly bound ; 
price one dollar. 



" The ANCESTORS and early life of the Rev. G. M. West," in- 
cluding his travels in England — Ireland — Scotand — North Wales — 
South Wales — the Isle of Man — Upper Canada — Lower Canada — 
Nova Scotia — New Bninswick — the United States, and many of 
the Indian settlements. By. the Rev. James Cradoke, L. L. B, 

An interesting account of the Ordination of the Rev. G. M. 
West : and a Sermon preached on the occasion, by the Rev. In- 
trepid Morse, A. M. 

An excellent and able vindicatory pamphlet in defence of the 
Rev. George Montgomery West, by George Wharton Marriott, 
Esq., B. C. L. Fellow of All Souls' College, Oxford, (England,) 
Chancellor of St, David's, and one of the English Trustees of Ken- 
yon College, Ohio. 

A Discourse delivered by the Rev. G. M. West, in the par- 
ish church of Stokesley, Cleveland, Yorkshire, England, dedica- 
ted to his Grace the Lord Archbishop of York, with an explanato- 
ry appendix, containing interesting correspondence on the subject 
of " the society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts," 
" Church Missionary Society," and a circular letter from the Trus- 
tees of Kenyon College — church in Boston, &c. 



93 

A Sermon delivered in St, Mark's Church, Liverpool, Eng. 
by the Rev. G. M. West, on the subject of the Ohio Mission — the 
amount collected on the occasion, with an appendix, setting forth 
very interesting and important documents in reference to the author. 

" Olden Times," or a Discourse delivered in St. Jude's Church, 
Birmingham, in reference to the Martyrdom of King Charles, and 
the Spirit of those Times — By the Rev. G. M. West. 

"Lectures," &c, by the Rev. G. M. West — some of which were 
•originally published in the Primitive Episcopal Church Magizine. 

In progress, — a Practical Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, 
with sundry discourses, — lectures, — and criticisms, not yet publish- 
ed—By the Rev. G. M. West. 

Interesting report of a Missionary Tour through Ireland by the 
Rev. G. M. West, with amount of sums received for the College, 
the names of subscribers, and the address of various banks, and 
others who agreed to become Treasurers for more. . 

An "Address" by the Rev. G. M. West, to the Bishop, Fro- 
fessors, and students of the Ohio College, on the completion of his 
mission ; being an authentic report of his whole proceeding in refer- 
ence to the College, containing the Treasurer's "rece//j/" for all 
the money collected through liim for the Institutions in Ohio. 

" Manuscript Journals," including several hundred letters from 
high personages, to the Rev. G. M. West, — never before published, 

" Lecture on a new method of teaching the English, Latin, Greek, 
and Hebrew Languages — By the Rev. G. M. AVest. 

" The T'Vedding Ring,''' " Think well on it," or reasons for the 
use of the Wedding Ring in the marriage ceremony — By the Rev. 
G. M. West. 

" The Emigrant's Companion, and Guide from Liverpool, in 
England, to the continent of America, and more especially to the 
fertile region of Ohio — By the Rev. G. M. West, patronised and 
recommended by eighty Archbishops, Bishops, Noblemen, and 
others. 

Original Poetry — By the Rev. G. M. West, &c. &c. &c. 
The following Engravings, are intended to embellish au Ame- 
rican edition of the foregoing works : 



94 

1. A fine steel plate engraving of the Rev. G. M. West, in his 
pulpit robes taken from an original portrait, " By Strutt," of 
London, and lately exhibited at the " Society of Fine Arts," in 
this city. 

2. A smaller do. in his "Canonicals." 

3. A fine English engraving of Kenyon College, Ohio. 

4. A view of the town of " Gambler," Ohio, in which the Col- 
lege is situated. 

5. " Scripture Synopsis — A new design — By Rev. G. M. West, 
an elegant engraving representing the heavens as enveloped in dense 
volumes of clouds, evidently in gi'eat commotion and confusion, be- 
ing the appalling emblems oi Heathenism, Judaism, Apostacy, De- 
spotism,, and Infidelity — struggling, retiring and dispersing, before 
an irresistible flood of light, on whose resplendent and concentrated 
glory appears in legible characters, a most ingenious and valuable 
Synops-^s of the Holy Scriptures, in the shape or form of the im- 
portant word " BIBLE," and in a style of execution perfectly 
unique, original, and explanatory of the whole subject." — New 
York Paper. 



CONCLUSION 



As I am informed that it is probable more editions of this publi- 
cation will be called for, I shall feel obliged by receiving (free of 
postage) the views of both natives and foreigners, with any friendly 
suggestion as to correction or improvement ; and as the labor and 
expenditure of time and money, to say nothing on the subject of 
annoyance and persecution, have been considerable, it is to be ho- 
ped that none of my friends will resort to the m,ean subterfuge of 
" borrowing and lending,'''' but that each will purchase a copy for 
him or herself; and I may hope that after one or two regular read- 
ings, it will be deemed worthy of preservation. I believe it will 
not be disputed that as to printing and style, it is not exceeded by 
any publication of the same size in this country ; but it will be most 
gratifying to me, if an equally favorable opinion be formed of the 
matter which it contains. G. M. W. 



?. Ja^lK 



